2 Mar 2010

NZ open mens World Cup with win over Canada

11:25 am on 2 March 2010

The New Zealand men's hockey team has opened its World Cup programme in New Delhi with a win over Canada, but the Black Sticks were hard pressed to beat the world's 11th ranked side 3-2.

The Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod says they struggled with Canada's packed defence after conceding a goal in the second minute.

McLeod says that's hardly the ideal start to any match, let alone the start of a World Cup

Goals from Priyesh Bhana and Nick Haig tied the match at 2-2 10 minutes into the second half and Ryan Archibald sealed the result with a stunning field goal four minutes from the end.

The world number ones Germany came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with South Korea, and the Netherlands, New Zealand's next opponents, beat Argentina 3-0.