Germany snatch bronze from Kiwis

The New Zealand Women have finished fourth at the Rio Olympic Games after being defeated 2-1 by Germany in the bronze medal game.

New Zealand dominated the first half but were unable to put goals into the net, with Germany securing bronze thanks to two strikes in the third quarter.

Striker Olivia Merry put the Kiwis back into the game with a great goal at the end of the third quarter, but New Zealand couldnt find an equaliser in the final 15 minutes.

The fourth place finish in Rio is a painful reminder of London 2012 where they also missed out in the bronze medal match.

Head coach Mark Hager said it was excruciating to miss out again despite a strong performance.

"We created a lot of chances again today but didnt finish them. In tough, hard games were not scoring enough goals and you have to give Germany a lot of credit but our execution wasnt good enough," he said.

"I cant fault the girls for their effort in trying to claw that game back, they gave it their all and were out on their feet.

"Its absolutely gut wrenching to lose a bronze medal game again. Its terrible and not from lack of trying or effort but its hard to take knowing we threw it away."

Both sides fought out a goalless first half with New Zealand creating plenty of chances but unable to convert any into goals.

Germany opened the scoring against the run of play in the 33rd minute thanks to a breakaway which saw Charlotte Stapenhorst make the final touch on the far post.

Just three minutes later the Germans doubled their lead after Lisa Schutze capitalised on a defensive error and flicked over a diving Sally Rutherford.

New Zealand lit up the scoreboard right on three quarter time when Merry collected a deflected penalty corner shot and hit past the keeper on her reverse stick.

The Kiwis fought desperately to find a levelling goal in the fourth quarter, taking off Rutherford for an extra field player with 4:30 on the clock, but the German defence held strong.

In the womens gold medal match later today the Netherlands are looking to win their third straight Olympic title when they take on Great Britain.

New Zealand 1: (Olivia Merry)

Germany 2: (Charlotte Stapenhorst, Lisa Schutze)

Halftime: 0-0





- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Hockey NZ