6 Dec 2011

Black Sticks into last four

9:54 pm on 6 December 2011

New Zealand has come from 3-0 down to the Netherlands to secure the draw needed to reach the last four at hockey's Champions Trophy tournament on Auckland's North Shore.

The third-ranked Dutch dominated much of the match, leading 2-0 at the break and looking set to win when they scored soon after it.

But two quick goals from Blair Hilton and Phil Burrows midway through the second half brought the Black Sticks back to life and with under three minutes to go they equalised when captain Dean Couzins scored with a penalty stroke.

The Black Sticks will play Spain on Thursday evening after Australia plays the Netherlands.

Pakistan, South Korea, Germany and Great Britain will play off for fifth to eighth.