Hockey World Cup 2018, Crossover 1: England vs New Zealand – 3 Standout Players from the match

#2 Richard Joyce

Joyce made some excellent saves to keep the scoreline respectable

New Zealand players should be grateful to their goalkeeper Richard Joyce for producing such exemplary skills in this tournament. The Kiwis have to go home from the crossovers but Joyce had definitely thrilled fans with his superb shows under the bar.

In all previous matches of his team, Joyce made some excellent saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Monday was no exception. New Zealand might have conceded two goals but on both occasions, Joyce had little to do.

His first contribution in the match came in the fifth minute when he palmed away a Mark Gleghorne penalty corner to safety. He again saved a counter-attack to foil England’s move.

In the second quarter, Joyce had to concede a goal due to his teammates’ inability to stop Roper. He made a challenge to the English captain but no defender blocked Calnan at the far post.

Joyce made three back to back saves early in the third quarter. He denied Luke Taylor from a penalty corner before stopping Zachary Wallace.

But ultimately Wallace scored from a powerful shot a few minutes later, which Joyce couldn’t react as he was guarded by one of his teammates.

New Zealand are out of the tournament but Richard Joyce will be leaving with his head held high.