6 Aug 2012

Black Sticks held to draw with Belgium

5:35 am on 6 August 2012

The New Zealand men's hockey team have drawn 1-1 with Belgium in their second to last pool game at the Olympics, ending any chance of making the semi-finals.

The Black Sticks needed a win to stay in with a chance of a medal, after earlier looses to Korea and the Netherlands, but were outplayed by Belgium.

Belgium dominated the first half at Riverbank Arena but the score was locked at 0-0 at halftime.

Tom Boon put the Belgians ahead in the 48th minute, only for Nick Wilson to level the score six minutes later after some good individual work.

New Zealand could have won the game in the final moments when they had two penalty corners, but were unable to convert the opportunities.

Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod says his team was well beaten, despite nearly stealing the win at the end.

New Zealand will play their last pool match against Germany, who are second on the table, on Tuesday.

Only the top two teams go through to the knock-out phase.