New Zealand produced a 2-1 win over Korea in Germany this morning (NZT) in their final warmup match ahead of the men's hockey World Cup starting in Monchengladbach on Wednesday morning.
The Black Sticks produced two goals in the second half in a promising performance at the tournament venue, having
trailed at the break.
Korea's goal came in the fifth minute from a counter attack, when they slipped the ball across the face of the goal for an easy tap in.
New Zealand hit the post twice before halftime but had some joy 5min into the second spell from a penalty corner variation.
The ball went to Blair Hopping on the post, who swept it home.
New Zealand's winning goal came with three minutes remaining when Ben Collier guided home a free hit from outside the circle from Hopping.
New Zealand Manager Kevin Marr said the Koreans tended to sit back throughout the match but were a danger on counter attack.
The Black Sticks played with more patience and control after halftime.
"We went for the short passing options rather than trying the long ball which hadn't been effective in the first half," Marr said.
There were no injuries to report ahead of New Zealand's first World Cup game against Argentina on Thursday morning (NZT).
- NZPA
