Phil Burrows. Photo / Brett Phibbs
New Zealand conceded three second half goals to lose 4-1 to hosts the Netherlands in their playoff for third and fourth at the World League tournament in Rotterdam.
The world No 3 Dutch dominated territory and possession for much of the match, however the Black Sticks, who had taken an
unexpected lead in the 12th minute, had their best period in the last third of the game, creating chances and troubling the Dutch defence.
The outcome means New Zealand, who drew their pool game with the Dutch 3-3 earlier in the tournament, have missed a chance to qualify for the World Cup next June in The Hague - the same outcome suffered by the women's Black Sticks a day earlier.
They too now play the Oceania qualifying tournament in Taranaki in October, where victory will get them to the cup.
Veteran attacker Phil Burrows put New Zealand ahead after a fine pass from midfielder Arun Panchia gave him space and time to pick his spot. He drilled his shot inside the near post past goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak.
