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It was a vital encounter from the perspective of both Spain and New Zealand. Argentina are already through to the knockout stages after defeating Spain 4-3 in the first match and New Zealand 3-0 in their second match -- thereby getting the full three points from both their games.
New Zealand's coach Darren Smith said before the start of the match that even a point would be a good result for his side and that is exactly what his boys managed as they came back from behind in scintillating fashion to draw the crucial game against Spain 2-2.
The Black Sticks rotated the ball well at the start of the first quarter but fell short of options while passing as the positioning of players was not the best.
Spain found the rhythm and fluency in their game after scoring the first goal through Albert Beltran in the ninth minute. They further increased the tempo of the game in the second quarter.
The Spanish players made many of the circle entries from the middle and were dominant in the second quarter. Álvaro Iglesias doubled their lead at the end of the second quarter by scoring with a well-taken shot in the 27th minute.
New Zealand had got a little passive in the second quarter but they were pressing high in the third quarter.
Maybe the team talk by Darren Smith at halftime had reinvigorated them and given them a new energy. They started making inroads in the third quarter.
The high press pushed Spain on the backfoot and resulted in cheap turnovers. It was a nervy quarter for The Red Sticks even though the Black Sticks failed to find the back of the net.
Richard Joyce was brought off in the final quarter in a bid to go all out and have that extra man on the field. New Zealand fans present at the Kalinga stadium made a lot of noise and got right behind their team.
Darren ultimately got the reward of his brave decisions as Hayden Philips pulled one back for them in the 50th minute with a rocket of a shot.
The Black Sticks got their first Penalty corner in the fourth quarter with four minutes remaining on the clock. And they got the equalizer with Kane Russell firing the ball into the bottom left corner.
The 2-2 draw witnessed some pulsating action from both sides and exceptional display hockey was at display all around.
Without further ado let's see who were the players which made the most impact in the game and are our standout players of the match:
#3 Quico Cortés (Spain)
The Spanish custodian Cortes made plenty of exceptional saves in the match. He was called to action on plenty of occasions during the course of the game.
Ross hit a powerful shot down the middle and could have given The Black Sticks the lead in the fourth minute.
However, Cortes was there to deny him. Marcus Childs had another exceptional opportunity in the ninth minute to get an equalizer for New Zealand. He got a good shot away as well but Cortes somehow got a foot in the way.
The 35-year-old found himself in a difficult situation in the 33rd minute as the ball was stuck in his feet.
It was really patient goalkeeping by him as he waited for Gonzalez to take it away to safety. A nervy situation which was well dealt with through calm and composed goalkeeping.
The Spanish skipper really made a positive impact in the match. New Zealand got a total nine shots on goal. Cortes could not stop them on just two occasions.
Hayden Philips hit a scintillating shot into the roof of the net in the 50th minute to bring New Zealand right back in the game. It was an absolute rocket of a shot and Cortes had very little time to react. It was a cracker and the young New Zealand midfielder took it really well.
The two goals he eventually conceded in the final quarter were near impossible to stop for the Spanish keeper.
Richard Joyce, New Zealand's goalkeeper was not too bad at the other end either and made a few timely interventions.
#2 Kane Russell (New Zealand)
Kane Russell scored an important goal through a Penalty Corner in the 56th minute. His goal was extremely important in the context of qualification as The Black Sticks needed at least a draw to secure their place.
It was an astutely taken penalty corner and Russell buried it right in the bottom left corner past a hapless Quico. It was a vicious drag flick hit with brute strength and resilience. The never-say-never attitude and deft attacking play brought New Zealand back on level terms.
The time at which the goal came is what mattered the most. New Zealand's 2 goals came within 6 minutes in the final quarter.
The 26-year-old's goal was of paramount importance and his contributions at the back for the Black Sticks were also equally helpful.
Stephen Jenness -- New Zealand's ace striker -- was in a good position to score on a couple of occasions. He could not make the most of them, however. The 28-year-old even hit the side netting with two minutes remaining on the clock.
It was good to see a player like Kane Russell taking it upon himself to get the goal as the forward was misfiring.
#1 Josep Romeu (Spain)
It was great defensive play by Spain in their circle as they cleared their lines pretty well in dangerous situations. Josep Romeu was at the heart of it all.
Josep Romeu made a difference in the first 10 minutes of the match itself as he made some slick tackles.
His reading of the game was just sublime as he helped knit many balls through to his compatriots as well.
The 28-year-old was rock solid in defense and also made many good passes. He found Albert Beltran free in the circle in the eighth minute.
What made the assist so special was that Romeu spotted his teammate from near the halfway line and still it was inch perfect.
Ricardo Santana was also moving things well and assisted Romeu well. He made an assist to Alvaro Iglesias in the in the 26th minute.
Romeu had a heart in mouth moment in the 39th minute when he made a terrible pass across the face of his own goal. The ball went to the opposition player but he failed to bring it down properly as it hit his foot and Spain got a free hit. This was the only point where Romeu faltered.
Romeu made a few exceptional interceptions in the final quarter as well. Jenness got into a good position and the Spaniard made a vital tackle to dispossess him.
Overall, the Romeu was just critical for the team's backline and deservedly made the player of the match. It was almost a match-winning performance from the Spanish No. 23.
Viçens Ruiz also had a brilliant game with deft passing and an excellent work rate. He cut off a few dangerous balls as well.
The young Enrique Gonzalez was good as ever. Xavi Lleonart displayed wonderful stickwork. These three players form our honorable mentions in this list.
Head to Sportskeeda to check out the Hockey World Cup schedule for the upcoming matches
