Hockey: Black Sticks falter in extra time

New Zealand's disastrous World Cup campaign took a further dent last night after they were beaten 1-0 in extra time to the United States in Perth yesterday.

Midfielder Keli Smith broke the deadlock in an encounter New Zealand dominated four minutes into added time.

The result jeopardised New Zealand's chances of making next year's Champions Challenge, a second-tier competition for countries who failed to make the top six Champions Trophy.

The Black Sticks, who finished fifth at the Champions Trophy at Macau in August, cannot make that tournament next year. They must now beat Scotland today to clinch 11th place and secure a spot in the challenge competition, which is in Italy next July.

New Zealand pelted the US defence for significant tracts of the game yesterday.

However a disappointed coaching staff were left to lament an inability to convert pressure into goals.

Assistant coach Selwyn Maister said the Black Sticks had nine penalty corners - including one in extra time - to three awarded to the US but could not find a way through.

Instead, a rare US attack saw Smith sweep the decisive shot past veteran goalkeeper Helen Clark in what was their only real attacking chance in the last 20 minutes of the game.

"We were the much better side, we really dominated the match but we couldn't put our chances away and that's what put us under pressure," Maister said.

"Unfortunately a fumbly, stumbly effort around the goal did it for them [the US]."

New Zealand would have been assured of a place in the Challenge competition had they beaten the lower-ranked United States, a prospect far from their mindset when they arrived in Perth last month.

Coach Jan Borren's team had aspirations of making the semifinals in Perth.

Instead, they have managed only two wins in seven matches in a deeply disappointing campaign that could result in funding being trimmed.

Scotland beat New Zealand 2-1 in their third pool encounter in what was classed as a huge upset. Maister said that was the beginning of New Zealand's problems.

"We were clearly expected to win and didn't, so that really affected morale. But they've bounced back well and there's no lack of willingness to do the work."

Borren defended his side, saying he could not fault their effort last night.

"Our ability to finish it off and get it right in the circle just didn't come today but they ran their hearts out and I have to say thank you for that."

- NZPA