Hockey: NZ women relish open game

AMSTERDAM - New Zealand's chances of a hockey medal at the Sydney Olympics looked a little brighter after yesterday's 2-2 draw against Germany at the women's Champions Trophy tournament in Amsterdam.

New Zealand led 1-0 after 23 minutes and 2-1 after 64 minutes before world No 3 Germany levelled less than a minute from fulltime.

In her 100th game for New Zealand, Kylie Foy scored New Zealand's first goal and Mandy Smith put New Zealand ahead six minutes from fulltime. Nadine Ernsting-Krienke scored both of Germany's goals.

Only two days ago, Germany beat world champions Australia 2-1 to show they are a gold-medal threat in Sydney.

New Zealand were sloppy at times against a German side who missed three shots at goal, while goalkeeper Helen Clarke saved four other attempts.

The Kiwis also missed several chances, with Smith thwarted at least three times by midway through the second spell.

Foy, Smith, Clarke and skipper Anna Lawrence showed they will be a headache to other sides in Sydney.

Coach Jan Borren said New Zealand excelled against attacking sides like Germany.

"It was a fast game and there weren't any physical tussles such as you get against Holland and Australia."

Australian coach Ric Charlesworth yesterday fired a broadside at his Dutch counterpart, Tom van't Hek, after Holland all but ended the Australian team's seven-year run of success at major tournaments.

After Holland's 2-1 win, van't Hek accused Charlesworth of constantly trying to influence the umpires during games.

The Australian mentor fired straight back by alleging that Holland claimed goals they had not scored.

-NZPA