Hockey: NZ hoping to avert 'disaster'

New Zealand will be looking to ensure their disappointing World Cup campaign doesn't end in "disaster" during the playoff stages starting in Perth today.

The Black Sticks, who were ranked fifth at the start of the 16-team tournament in Perth, have been relegated to playing off for ninth to 12th place after five losses and just two wins in their pool matches.

They meet the United States today, and then face either Japan or Scotland in their last outing tomorrow.

Coach Jan Borren believed his squad would not lack for motivation, even though hopes of a top-six finish, and with it a spot in next year's Champions Trophy, had disappeared.

He said it was important to finish with two victories, with one reason being qualification for the second-tier Champions Challenge.

Only teams finishing seventh to 11th will go on to next year's Challenge, because the 12th and final spot has been reserved for hosts Italy.

"Also, in terms of the funding environment in New Zealand, if you are outside the top 10, that will have some impact," Borren said.

"But quite apart from those issues, there's a huge amount to play for in terms of where we see ourselves in world hockey. Twelfth would be a disaster, whereas ninth would still have an element of respectability."

The New Zealanders will go in as firm favourites against the US, while Japan should prove too strong for Scotland.

Against the Americans, Borren said he would again be looking for an improvement in his team's execution of basic skills.

At the top end of the tournament, world No 1 Argentina, the only side still with a 100 percent record, will meet defending titleholders and Olympic champions Australia in one semifinal today.

The Netherlands, aiming for a sixth World Cup triumph, and China, winners of this year's Champions Trophy, will decide the other berth for Sunday's final.

- NZPA