Hockey: Tickets to Olympics one win away

By DAVID LEGGAT




The equation is simple for the New Zealand men's team in Madrid - beat India early tomorrow and they're off to the Olympics.

Draw or lose and they are still well in the hunt, but face the uncomfortable prospect of having to win death-or-glory playoff games.

By conceding an equaliser 90 seconds from their end of their 2-2 draw with Belgium yesterday, New Zealand lost their 100 per cent winning record.

Goals by Hayden Shaw, from New Zealand's only penalty corner of the game, and Phil Burrows with a reverse stick shot - after Patrice Houssein equalised before halftime - had New Zealand 2-1 ahead.

But after losing captain Simon Towns to an adductor strain, which might sideline him for the remainder of the tournament, New Zealand lost their composure and surrendered the middle of the pitch.

Instead of seeking to maintain their advantage, the players adopted a more cautious approach, looking to hold on to what they had rather than ram home the initiative.

The final goal came after a hopeful ball was slammed towards the New Zealand defence.

It took an awkward deflection which put the defenders off balance.

Goalkeeper Paul Woolford saved the first shot but could not block the rebound from Houssein.

"Tentativeness crept through the team, and it was enough to give Belgium a sniff," coach Kevin Towns admitted.

Towns was disappointed at his players' second half performance against a rugged, unsophisticated opponent.

"It's a mind thing. When you're 2-1 up against an opponent who are desperate for points, it's them who should be feeling the pressure.

"People become anxious. If you've been there before and had disappointments, it creeps into your mind. But it's one of those things and now we've got to get through it."

Towns is looking forward to facing the more skilful Indian side.

The New Zealanders will know what to expect, have a good recent record against India and have all the motivation in front of them.

"They have a bit more experience at a higher level, but we certainly understand how they play and it's a game we're accustomed to."

The only other injury scare came from North Harbour attacker Darren Smith, who rolled an ankle during the game but is expected to be ready for the Indian match.

New Zealand's final pool game is against world No 5 Pakistan tomorrow night.

In other games yesterday, Pakistan beat India 5-3 to maintain their 100 per cent winning record, and Malaysia edged out Canada 3-2.

In the other pool, the Netherlands and Spain had seven points going into fourth round games early today and seem sure of gaining automatic Olympic places.


THE ROAD TO GREECE

* A win over India in their fourth pool game early tomorrow guarantees an Olympic Games spot for New Zealand.

* A draw or loss does not end their hopes, but makes it more likely New Zealand will need to go through playoff games.

* The top two in each of the two pools in Madrid automatically go to Athens. Third and fourth play crossover playoff games to decide the last three qualifiers.

* Pakistan head the group on 9 points, New Zealand have 7, India 4, Malaysia 3, Belgium 2 and Canada none. New Zealand play world No 5 Pakistan in their final group game, and India play Canada.