Hockey World Cup 2018: New Zealand vs Argentina – 3 Standout Players from the match

#2 Richard Joyce

Richard Joyce had plenty to do against the in-form Argentinian strikers

If Richard Joyce was not there in the New Zealand goal, the Kiwis could end up the match conceding at least half a dozen goals. Joyce was an ever-present figure in the match.

It takes enough courage to stop a Penalty Corner when the drag-flicker is Gonzalo Peillat. But Joyce did that so easily, not once but twice. During the third quarter, he saved Peillat’s shot by putting his left leg on the way of the ball. Moments later, another Penalty Corner was saved by him. In the fourth quarter, he saved the fourth Penalty Corner too but eventually conceded off a rebound from Lucas Martinez.

Joyce came to New Zealand’s rescue at the start of the second quarter, when he blocked Lucas Villa’s shot. Joyce has all the ability of a goalkeeper and he used each against a tough opponent like Argentina. In this tournament, he has saved five Penalty Corners so far.