Hockey: India face New Zealand in must-win game

New Delhi: India will have to come up with an all-round show on Saturday when they take on hosts New Zealand in their last league match of the four-nations invitational men’s hockey tournament in Tauranga. With a win and a loss so far, India are second in the table ahead of Belgium and Japan but know that they will have to come good on the morrow if they are seal a place in the final.

New Zealand are undefeated so far having beaten Olympic silver medallists Belgium 5-4 and Japan 4-1 in their two matches so far, and are almost certain to enter the final. Belgium face Japan in their last league match on Saturday.

Led by midfielder Manpreet Singh, India opened their campaign with a 6-0 victory over Japan but wasted a number of scoring opportunities — including four penalty corners against Belgium — losing 0-2.

Said New Zealand head coach Darren Smith, “We’re looking forward to our next match against India on Saturday. They are quick and skilful and it will be a good challenge for us. Against Japan, we made it tough for ourselves early on but in the second quarter things started to change and the second half was pleasing. It’s great to put together our second win in a row against high quality teams.”

The final and the third place match will be held on Sunday, the teams then moving to Hamilton for the second leg of the tournament.