Hockey: NZ's semi hopes waver

NEW DELHI - New Zealand's hopes of playing their first men's hockey World Cup semifinal live on, but it is a big ask after they were upset 1-0 by lower-ranked Argentina in nerve-jangling fourth round action last night.

To reach the top four, Shane McLeod's Black Sticks must down unbeaten defending champions and world No 1 Germany in their final pool match and then hope the Netherlands, already assured of topping group A, do not lose to Korea.

Against the no-frills Argentines, the Black Sticks' lack of strike power in front of goal was again cruelly exposed. None of the handful of reasonable half chances they created ever seriously threatened the Argentina goal.

"We are definitely lacking firepower up front," said McLeod, reflecting on his team's second loss in four outings at the World Cup. "There was a lot of turnover ball and, in the end, we did not play enough hockey."

The Black Sticks are missing Brad and Hayden Shaw, and have also been robbed of influential captain and attacking lynchpin Phil Burrows through injury, while Simon Childs' decision to stay away has also hit the team hard.

Too often the Black Sticks were punished in turning the ball over or, worse, for mis-trapping on the sometimes uncertain surface.

"It wasn't a case of nerves. Argentina are always tough and on most occasions there is only a goal either way in it," said McLeod. "Even when we are full strength they are a hard side for us to handle.

"It is back to the drawing board. The Germans play a pretty structured game which suits us but to take on the No 1 team in the world with key players out will be a big ask."

The teams were scoreless at halftime, Black Sticks goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex twice denying Argentina early penalty corners.

New Zealand's first real chance came on the half hour when Ryan Archibald played a great ball to Blair Hilton, but he failed to covert.

Priyesh Bhana won New Zealand's first penalty corner in the 33rd minute. Andy Hayward drag-flicked goalwards but his attempt was blocked by an errant Argentine foot. Archibald stepped forward to take the resultant stroke but was denied by goalkeeper Juan Thomas Espinosa.

The second half was more of the same, with some tantalising half chances but no reward.

Argentina scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute when Pedro Ibarra charged deep on the right before whipping in a super cross to Facundo Callioni at the far post.

Pontifex was left with no chance as Callioni deflected high into the New Zealand goal.

There were late opportunities, the best falling to Hugo Inglis, but again the Black Sticks could not convert and were left contemplating what might have been.

- NZPA