Hockey: Black Sticks’ World Cup run comes to an end

The Black Sticks were knocked out at the quarter-final stage at the World Cup. Photosport

The Black Sticks’ Hockey World Cup campaign has come to an end.

New Zealand fell to Belgium 2-0 in the quarter-finals, with the defending champions scoring goals in the opening two quarters.

Tom Boon opened the scoring in the 11th minute from a penalty corner, with Florent Van Aubel doubling the lead five minutes later.

The Black Sticks, who were aiming to make the final four for the first time in their history at the tournament, ultimately weren’t able to break down the resolute Belgian defence.

“Belgium are absolute class,” Black Sticks captain Nic Woods said after the game. “I wish the best for them the rest of this tournament. We got shown how to attack, how to defend ... so those are the key learnings for us.

“They were exceptional in the way they carried the ball and create chances [going] forward. We need to review this game, but I think this is just the building blocks for us. We needed this quarter-final to learn.”

Belgium midfielder Felix Denayer, who was named player of the match, said the Kiwis were tough opponents.

“We knew New Zealand would give us a tough match. We watched their game against India and they played really well to get the win in that game. So we are quite happy to have won this game.”

Belgium will now face either Netherlands or South Korea for the spot in the final.

On the other side of the draw, three-time champions Australia advanced to the semifinals with a 4-3 win over Spain. They await the winner of the quarter-final between England and Germany.