Phil Burrows scored a double in NZ’s win over Pakistan. Photo / Getty Images
Two goals in two minutes clinched New Zealand's 4-2 victory over Pakistan in the Champions Challenge hockey tournament final in Argentina this morning (NZT), earning them a spot in next year's Champions Trophy.
New Zealand attacked early, creating a chance in front of the goal within the first minute but
putting the ball to the left of the net.
Pakistan scored first, in the seventh minute when Sohail Abbas flicked the ball into the net off a penalty corner.
New Zealand equalised in the 15th minute when midfielder Ryan Archibald scored off his side's first penalty corner, then grabbed the lead in the 20th when captain Phil Burrows slipped the ball home.
New Zealand goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex thwarted a Pakistan penalty corner a minute later, but was unable to stop a shot from experienced Pakistan striker Rehan Butt in the final minute of the first half.
Pakistan created the first real second half chance in the 46th minute with a penalty corner, saved by Pontifex.
Two minutes later New Zealand hit the cross bar, but continued to push hard, taking advantage of a weakening Pakistan defence.
The work paid off in the 65th minute when 19-year-old striker Nick Wilson scored, and again a minute later when Burrows found back of the net for a second time, taking the final score to 4-2.
The win qualifies New Zealand for next year's elite six-nation Champions Trophy tournament.
- NZPA
