New Zealand suffered a second men's hockey loss to Germany in Cologne this morning (NZ time) but put in a much improved performance.
The Black Sticks' 2-4 loss to the world's top-ranked side followed a 2-6 loss yesterday.
Once again the New Zealanders found themselves 0-2 down earlybut produced a competitive showing from that point.
Drag-flick specialist Hayden Shaw drew one goal back from a penalty corner shot into the left of the goal 10 minutes before halftime.
Germany went 3-1 soon after the break before the goal of the game to Shea McAleese with a well-struck reverse stick shot. He was involved in a slick passing buildup, along with Bevan Hari and Dave Kosoof.
The hosts had the final say with a late goal but New Zealand video analyst Darren Smith said his side had emerged with credit.
"We were a bit passive in the first match, but the second was much more even and competitive and the scoreline wasn't a good reflection of the game," he said.
Smith said the Black Sticks coped better with Germany's ability to retain the ball and moved the ball more effectively themselves.
The remaining matches in New Zealand's two-week tour will be played in Nifmegen, Holland
They face leading club NMHC Nijmegen on Saturday morning before facing Spain in an international on Monday morning.
Germany and Spain are expected to be the strongest teams in New Zealand's pool at the Beijing Olympic Games in August.
