Hockey: Double mission for men's cup team at Edinburgh

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The New Zealand men's team goes into tonight's World Cup qualifying tournament on a mission.

While finishing in the top seven at the 16-team tournament in Edinburgh is the obvious priority - and the players are talking more about winning the tournament than just making up the numbers for next year's cup in Malaysia - there are other goals.

Forced to play in the shadow of the highly-successful New Zealand women's team in recent times, the men see this tournament as the chance to grab a share of the limelight.

"Nothing can be taken away from what the women have achieved," men's coach Kevin Towns said in Edinburgh last night. "And for us to match them in getting into the top six would be very difficult.

"The overall standard in men's hockey is much higher, but this is the chance for us to make a statement."

New Zealand kick off against Egypt tonight, but India, New Zealand's second opponents tomorrow night, are, at seven, the highest-ranked team in Scotland.

They are followed by other top 10-ranked teams Argentina and Spain.

Spain warmed-up for their first match, against Scotland, with an 8-0 win over Belgium.

"All three [pool] matches are very important," Towns said.

"Having only three games to get into the top eight, and with it the chance to make the seven for the World Cup, is very tough. It would be fairer if there were bigger pools and more games, but we can't dwell on that. We are well into countdown mode now.

"The players practised well yesterday and showed they are over the travel. There is certainly a feeling of great anticipation.

"I have to say we are better prepared than Egypt, who only arrived today. We have been able to glean only a little information about them.

"We know they have one or two skilful players and that they will play with a 3-3-3-1 formation, and that they look to counter-attack."

A strong showing against Japan in New Zealand's last warm-up game has earned Auckland goalkeeper Paul Woolford a start tonight.

Towns has welcomed Brett Leaver's return after he missed the series against India - won 2-1 by New Zealand.

"He will stiffen things up at the back," Towns said.

"His experience and organisational skills, along with the key role he plays at penalty corners, will be important."

The match tonight starts at 9pm.

New Zealand: Woolford, Leaver, Dion Gosling, Wayne McIndoe (or Dean Couzins), Simon Towns (capt), Blair Hopping, Ryan Archibald, Mitesh Patel, Bevan Hari, Phil Burrows, Umesh Parag. Substitutes: Michael Bevin, David Kosoof, Darren Smith, Hymie Gill.

Tomorrow's game against India begins at 11 pm.