Spain dealt a fatal blow to New Zealand's chances of reaching the Champions Trophy final, beating the Netherlands 3-1 at North Harbour Hockey Stadium this afternoon.
The result rendered meaningless the Black Sticks' match against Australia tonight, as Spain joined Australia on six points - a total New Zealand cannotoverhaul.
Tomorrow's final will be played between the defending champions and world number one Australia and fourth-ranked Spain, starting at 6:05pm. Australia, who came from behind to beat Spain 3-2 in their first match in the tournament, will be shooting for an unprecedented fourth straight Champions Trophy title.
The Black Sticks will play off against the Dutch for the bronze medal at 3.35pm, a rematch of the dramatic 3-3 draw between the sides in pool play.
A second-minute goal from Eduard Tubau put the Spanish in front today, before Roc Oliva doubled their lead with 25 minutes on the clock. Bob de Voogd pulled one back for the Netherlands shortly before halftime but Gabriel Dabanch sealed victory for Spain in the second half, killing off New Zealand's hopes of playing for gold.
In earlier results, Germany thumped Pakistan 5-0 and Great Britain edged Korea 4-3. Germany will take on the British tomorrow in the play-off for fifth, while Pakistan play Korea for seventh place.
