Hockey: NZ men thumped at World League

Alex Shaw said it was a tough day at the office in his side's first match at the World League finals. Photo / Brett Phibbs

New Zealand had a rough start to the men's World League hockey finals, thumped 6-1 by Olympic champions Germany in New Delhi today.

If there was a consolation for the Black Sticks, it was in the number of scoring chances they created.

Germany had 18 shots on goal to New Zealand's 12, but their only success came through Kane Russell from one of the seven penalty corners they received. That evened the scores after Germany had gone in front through Christopher Wesley inside the first half minute.

However, despite sterling work by goalkeeper Devon Manchester, world No 1 Germany put the hammer down.

Further goals came from Thilo Stralkowski, with two, Florian Fuchs, Tobias Hauke and Jan Philipp Rabente.

''Days like this are hard,'' Black Sticks defender Alex Shaw said.

''Germany too all their chances and we didn't. We knew it was going to be tough, but they played very well.''

Seventh-ranked New Zealand play hosts India, who are ranked No 10, in their second pool game early tomorrow. England beat India in the other pool A game 2-0.

In pool B, Australia edged past Belgium 3-2 while Argentina upset the Olympic silver medallists the Netherlands 5-2.