THE VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN ADVANCE TO BRONZE MEDAL MATCH ON MONDAY
The Vantage Black Sticks took on world No. 2 Argentina for the second time at the Changzhou Invitational Tournament, in what was an exciting rematch and another valuable test against one of the best teams in the world.
Argentina started strongly, controlling territory and creating early opportunities. The highlight of the first quarter for the Vantage Black Sticks came through some outstanding defensive work, with Emma Findlay producing a crucial save on the post to deny a penalty corner hit, supported by strong goalkeeping to keep the score level at 0–0.
The pressure continued into the second quarter, with Argentina showing their class and eventually breaking through from a penalty corner to take a 0–1 lead. The attacking numbers reflected their dominance, registering 16 circle penetrations, while the Vantage Black Sticks were limited to just one circle entry. A big response was needed heading into the second half.
That response came immediately. The Vantage Black Sticks lifted their intensity and took control of the third quarter, generating multiple opportunities before finding the equaliser through a moment of individual brilliance from Hannah Cotter. Receiving the ball outside the circle, Cotter eliminated several defenders before unleashing a reverse-stick shot from a tight angle into the top corner. A superb finish to level the match at 1–1 heading into the final quarter.
Argentina responded strongly in the last period, regaining the lead through a fast counterattack, finishing with a diving deflection. They extended their advantage soon after with another penalty corner conversion, pushing the score to 1–3.
With three minutes remaining, head coach Phil Burrows opted to remove the goalkeeper to gain an extra outfield player. The decision paid off, with the Vantage Black Sticks building pressure and creating chances. A shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Emma Findlay at the top of the circle, who struck cleanly to reduce the deficit to 2–3 with just one minute remaining.
Despite a strong final push, the Vantage Black Sticks were unable to find an equaliser, with Argentina holding on for a 2–3 win.
The result sees the Vantage Black Sticks finish fourth in the tournament standings, with Argentina in third, China A second, and China B taking top spot.
Attention now turns to finals play, where the Vantage Black Sticks will face Argentina again in the 3rd vs 4th bronze medal match on Monday at 4:15pm NZT. Prior to that, the two sides will meet once more in an additional match on Sunday at 6:30pm NZT.
Both these matches will be live streamed on Hockey TV.
While the result didn’t go their way, the opportunity to face the world No. 2 side multiple times provides invaluable preparation, with two more matches against Argentina offering a strong platform ahead of the Nations Cup and World Cup.
New Zealand Goal Scorers:
41' Hannah Cotter – Field Goal
59' Emma Findlay – Field Goal