Hockey: Sticks' victory needed for final

A win over hosts India tonight would almost certainly book the New Zealand women's team a place in Saturday's Indira Gandhi Cup final.

Following their 2-1 win over Italy yesterday, the Black Sticks are equal with Australia in second place (with four points) and have the matches against India and Malaysia - who have yet to take a point - to play.

New Zealand coach Ian Rutledge is taking nothing for granted however, as Malaysia held Australia to 2-1 yesterday.

"They will both be difficult games," said Rutledge. "The game against India is a must-win game for both of us. They know they can book a place in the final if they win while we know we have to win to keep our hopes alive."

Rutledge expects tonight's game to be more open than that against the defensively-minded Italians.

"They had eight or nine players back in defence throughout the game," Rutledge said.

"They went out determined to keep us goal-less in the hope of scoring one breakaway goal to win."

That plan came unstuck inside 10 minutes when Black Sticks captain Suzie Muirhead scored from a penalty corner. The Italians got back to 1-1 just before halftime when, from a breakout, they won a stroke which was converted.

Honor Dillon scored the winner five minutes from time to preserve New Zealand's unbeaten record.

The victory came at a cost however, as striker Lizzie Ryan limped off after just 11 minutes with a badly twisted ankle and, according to Rutledge, is unlikely to play again at the tournament.

Stacey Carr, who sat out the game against Italy, will come back into the squad to play India. With Ryan out of contention, Rutledge will have his remaining 15 outfield players available for the last two round-robin games.