Hockey: Korean win sets up series decider

Steven Edwards of New Zealand controls the ball against Korea. Photo / Getty Images

Korea gave the New Zealand men's hockey side a lesson in how to play at pace today as they beat the home side 4-1 and set up a series decider in the five-match series tomorrow.

After taking an early lead, the Black Sticks let Korea dictate the speed of the game today at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium, Auckland, and couldn't claw back control of the match.

New Zealand won the first two matches of the series last weekend when coach Shane McLeod opted for an inexperienced lineup but Korea have won the last two matches against what must be considered a stronger New Zealand lineup. Korea came from two goals down on Thursday to win.

McLeod said his side didn't value possession today and lost a lot of 50-50 battles.

"They play an extremely fast game and in today's match they certainly bullied us in a couple of areas that I wouldn't have expected them to have so much dominance," he said. "The sheer pace of some of the Korean boys is a handful to deal with.

"Korea is a side that can smash the best in the world and we have to be mindful that we are taking them on with not necessarily our Olympic selection."

McLeod still tinkered with his side today and was missing striker Simon Child, midfielder Steve Edwards and defender and captain Dean Couzins as he rotates his squad in the build-up to the Olympics.

New Zealand opened the scoring in the 11th minute when a beautiful through pass from Phil Burrows found Nick Wilson in the circle and he slotted the ball high into the net.

Korea replied with two quick penalty corner drag flicks to Jong Jang to give them a 2-1 halftime lead. They scored early in the second spell and added another penalty corner to secure a comfortable victory.

McLeod said the Koreans have one of the world's best penalty corner combinations and the priority tomorrow was avoiding giving away too many that would put his side under pressure.