Hockey World Cup 2018: Spain vs New Zealand - 3 Standout Players from the match

#2 Kane Russell (New Zealand)

Kane Russell scored an important goal through a Penalty Corner in the 56th minute

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.