Hockey World Cup 2018: Spain vs New Zealand - 5 Talking Points

Spain and New Zealand played out a thrilling draw at the Kalinga Stadium
Spain and New Zealand played out a thrilling draw at the Kalinga Stadium

#3 New Zealand spark amazing revival in last 10 minutes

The Black Sticks give it their all in the last 10 minutes
The Black Sticks give it their all in the last 10 minutes

Despite being down by 2 goals, New Zealand were certainly not out. The Black Sticks hadn't come this far for nothing. The silver medalists from 2018 Commonwealth Games regrouped themselves for a final assault against the Spanish side, as they give it their all in the final quarter.

Initially, the Black Sticks were unable to find a penetration for the first three quarters. Despite 7 circle entries, followed by 4 shots at the goal, all of which were made in the first quarter, New Zealand were unable to make any honest attempt to score a goal. However, the final quarter was a different picture altogether.

The Black Sticks gave it their all, refusing to bow to any tactic pushed forward by the Spanish team. Their efforts brought fruit within the first five minutes, when in the 50th minute, Hayden Phillips broke through the Spanish cordon, earning the first goal for the New Zealand.

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Edited by Ram Kumar