12 Jan 2014

Black Sticks thumped by Germany

11:07 am on 12 January 2014

The New Zealand men's hockey team has been beaten 6-1 by Germany in their opening group match at the World League Finals in New Delhi.

The Germans scored their first goal after just 20 seconds, but the Black Sticks responded through Kane Russell from a penalty corner after five minutes.

The world's top-ranked side took control of the game midway through the first half, but the New Zealand goalkeeper Devon Manchester prevented them from scoring.

However Germany led 3-1 at half-time.

Defender Alex Shaw says days like this are hard, Germany took all their chances and they didn't.

Shaw says they knew it was going to be tough, but they played very well.