SEMI FINAL VS KOREA - MEN’S NATIONS CUP 2025

21 June 2025 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Vantage Black Sticks men are heading to the FIH Nations Cup Grand Final after a nail-biting semi-final win over Korea, sealed in a dramatic shootout.

It was a cagey start in the first quarter, with both teams feeling each other out. But it was the Black Sticks who struck first. A sharp counterattack launched from our defensive 25 by Hayden Phillips set up a slick team move, finished beautifully by Jonty Elmes with a deflection into the net. George Baker came close to doubling the lead, but his shot was denied by the Korean keeper. 1–0 at the first break.

Early in the second quarter, Dylan Thomas lit up the game with a stunning solo goal. After eliminating his defender outside the circle, he drove to the left baseline and chipped the ball over the keeper into the top corner, an unreal finish. Korea responded quickly, converting their first penalty corner to make it 2–1. Just before halftime, Dom Dixon came up big with a crucial right-foot save to keep the lead intact.

Korea stayed perfect on penalty corners, scoring again early in the third to level it at 2–2. Both sides had chances to take the lead, but neither could convert. It was all square heading into the final 15.

In the last quarter we dominated possession and created multiple chances, including two big ones in the final minutes, but just couldn’t break the tie. Full time: 2–2.

A big moment for Louis Beckert who stepped into goal for the shootout. Two early saves gave New Zealand the edge, and our shooters stayed composed, slotting four in a row. When it came down to the final shot, Nic Woods stepped up and buried it with ice-cold composure to send the Vantage Black Sticks into the grand final.

Unbelievable scenes. A gutsy, all-in performance from the team and now, one more to go. The Vantage Black Sticks men take on Pakistan in the FIH Nations Cup Grand Final on the 22nd of June 1.00am NZT. It all comes down to this.