Nic Woods in action during today's game. Photo / Hernán Pablo Barrios.
The Black Sticks Men have continued their winning ways at the FIH World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires, clinching a 2-1 victory against Japan.
Today's win puts the Kiwis on six points and places them in a strong position ahead of their next match against world No.2 the Netherlands at
5am on Monday (NZ time).
Assistant coach Bryce Collins says although Japan mounted a spirited comeback today, it's pleasing that the Black Sticks did what was needed to hold onto the game.
"Going into this game we had a big focus on just improving our basics, playing with forward intent, and making sure our passing and receiving was as good as it could be.
The speed and execution was much better than our match against Egypt and because of that we created a lot more chances," said Collins.
"Our attack wasn't as strong in the second half, but throughout that period I thought it was a committed and disciplined defensive display, and when we needed to scramble and get back, we did."
Collins says the team are looking forward to their next match against the Dutch on Monday and the two day break will give them good time to prepare.
"The Dutch are obviously a high quality side and they are experts at creating and holding possession, so we will have to work hard to maintain possession when we have it. The guys are definitely up for this challenge - we can match them physically, we will have some chances, we can defend well - it's just about putting it all together - it's a good test."
