Hockey: Women upbeat after first-day loss

New Zealand remained upbeat despite going down in their opening World Cup match 0-1 to top-ranked Argentina in Perth, Black Sticks coach Jan Borren said yesterday.

"Although we lost, we competed pretty well and we know other teams are going to lose to Argentina," he said.

Team spirits were high before and after the game.

"We were very committed, we were very determined and created some good opportunities. It was the sort of game where we might have got a result."

But New Zealand failed to take two chances late in the first half, which ended scoreless.

A solid Argentine defence held off some strong New Zealand attacks, after Argentine defender Agustina Garcia scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes into the second half.

New Zealand, who won five penalty corners to Argentina's 10, could not capitalise, hitting just four shots on goal to their opponents' 16.

Argentina were the better side on the night and deserved the win, Borren said.

"They are a very polished side. We struggled to compete in the midfield, where they are very good, so they put a lot of pressure on our defence.

"[Keeper] Helen Clarke had a particularly good game - kept us in it, really.

"There were some really positive signs in our game. We competed pretty well. Argentina were pleased to win."

New Zealand have a rest day today before playing Russia tonight and Scotland on Thursday.

Argentina suffered a blow when top striker Vanina Oneto broke a hand. She has scored 125 goals in her 171 internationals.

- NZPA