Hard work awaits NZ

Regardless of the result in today's match against Japan to decide fifth place in the Champions Trophy, the Black Sticks women are dreading the return to New Zealand.

While it is always nice to arrive on home soil after an extended period away, the team know they will be in for a strenuous, intense period in the next few months ahead of the Olympics.

Maintaining their place among the top six nations in the world is a meritable effort but this tour has exposed shortcomings that need immediate attention.

"It is going to be tough back at home," said captain Kayla Sharland.

"I think we are going to get hammered physically. We haven't been good enough for long periods during most matches here."

"They are going to be put through the wringer," confirmed coach Mark Hager.

"There is a lot of work to do and time is ticking. We know there is a gap between us and the top nations and we have to work hard to close it."

This is a team that plays on pure heart and energy, with less of the individual skills of many other nations but there are still fundamentals that need to be addressed.

Aside from the errant passing, wayward finishing and penalty corner issues that have plagued this trip, Hager highlighted the physicality of other nations as an area of concern.

"At the moment sometimes I think we just aren't strong enough," Hager said.

"Often we are getting slammed off the ball by teams that are more aggressive and physically imposing."

On one hand, the Black Sticks have improved dramatically in this area - striker Krystal Forgesson recalls the team learning big lessons from being buffeted by the Dutch in the 2010 Champions Trophy.

"They were flying into us and knocking us off the ball," Forgesson said. "When we got home we all hit the gym and realised what we had to do."

Still there remains a physical gulf, which was particularly evident in the matches last week against Korea, Germany and Holland.

Meanwhile, there was a noticeable spring in the step of the New Zealand contingent yesterday, in the afterglow of Sunday's dramatic finish against Korea. Apart from tactical meetings during the day, the team enjoyed a lunch away from the confines of the hotel, at a restaurant by the river Parana.

Japan have been the big improvers of this week. They are particularly deadly from penalty corners, having converted four of 15 (New Zealand is one from 18) and their overall effort is admirable given there are only eight hockey clubs in Japan.

Still New Zealand has enjoyed historical dominance over the Asian team and will fancy their chances today.

Meanwhile, Rosario is still rocking this morning after Las Leonas disposed of defending champions Holland in an incredible match of the highest quality last night.

Down 2-1, the home side equalised in the 69th minute to send the crowd into delerium and the game into extra time. After no further scoring, Argentina won the penalty shootout 2-0, with local hero Luciana Aymar notching one of their goals.

Great Britain beat Germany in the other semifinal to reach their first final of any world tournament (their previous best was a bronze at the 1992 Olympics).