Germany, New Zealand and Netherlands post wins on Day 6.
Netherlands notched up another straight win today defeating Canada 6-0, all the goals coming in the second half. The third win takes them close to the semis.
New Zealand surprised Korea 1-2 while on the last match of the day, Germany survived many anxious moments before holding on to the single goal margin to post its third win. Argentina had to bow down to precise Germany 3-4.
In the fifth minute Martin Zwicker set the tune and tenor of the match with an opportunistic field goal, and then diverting a penalty corner push in the 14th minute. In between his brace, Martin Vila reduced the margin.
Before half time both teams scored a goal apiece, Matthias Witthaus for Germany and Matias Pardes for Argentina.
In the second session, Martin Haner deflected a penalty corner while in the 55th minute Pedro Ibarra, who was later declared Steel Defender of the day, scored once. Thereafter, it was Argentina all the time to get the elusive equalizer, they came close to getting it often, but the German defence stood firm, spent anxious moments, but did not yield.
1975 World Cup hero Michael Kindo and FIH President Leandro Negre gave away the awards
Luck deserts South Korea as they go down 1-2 to New Zealand in the first match of Day VI in the Hero Honda World Cup which is entering decisive phase.
Despite fast attacks and gaining numerous penalty corners, the ball simply refused to go in for the Koreans. All they could do was to score a goal 30 seconds before through a stroke that came off after a penalty corner drill.
New Zealand took the lead very early with goals coming from Andrew Hayward and a stroke conversion by Dean Couzins, who led the side today.
Koreans waged a grim battle from the word go, had better of ball possession, territorial advantage, and had more shots at goal, but every time it was so near and so far. Not just the Kiwis’ defence but Kyle Pontifex under the cage also stood like a rock of Gibraltor.
Koreans had even better share of penalty corners – seven compared to one by their rival, the last one coming in the dying moments which turned into a stroke.
Lee Nam Yong converted the stroke sending in a grounder.
New Zealand today played without their regular captain Phil Burrows due to injury.
Korea in its previous match defeated Argentina on the same scoreline, the winner coming seconds left for the final hooter. However, today the precision was mising, and they paid for it.