Few must-win matches could have started at 8.30am on the first day of competition and, it goes without saying, few Olympic dreams could have been left balancing on a knife-edge as early as 10am on the same first day.
A shattered New Zealand now face Germany tomorrow, knowinga loss to the side ranked third in the world will almost certainly put them out of contention for a spot in the semifinals, with No 2-ranked Argentina awaiting them further down the track.
It should never have come to this. New Zealand dominated yesterday's match against Japan, but a three-minute spell midway through the first half where they twice lost concentration and conceded goals cost them dearly.
Even so, the two-goal deficit should not have proved insurmountable but the light blue-clad Black Sticks could not find a cutting edge in the final third, a problem that has plagued them in recent times. Their cause wasn't helped by a first-half injury to striker Niniwa Roberts, who twisted her knee. Roberts tried to play on but was largely ineffectual. Her absence late in the match reduced New Zealand's attacking threat from penalty corners.
Teenager Gemma Flynn had a great chance to equalise late in the match but saw her flick saved by the goalie's helmet. Two penalty corners in the final minute offered hope but were ultimately futile.
Coach Kevin Towns later said he felt his side should have put the foot down a lot earlier in the second half.
Jaimee Claxton was initially credited with the goal that revitalised New Zealand. After the match, however, manager Debbie Balme confirmed the goal was scored by captain Lizzy Igasan and the deflection had come from a Japanese stick.
