Defensive lapses hands Korea win

The New Zealand women's hockey team has blown a two-goal cushion against Korea, eventually going down 4-6 to Korea in their Four Nations match in Cordoba.

It was the team's second straight loss after they had been humbled 3-7 by Argentina a day earlier in their opening match.

After taking an early 2-0 lead thanks to Gemma Flynn and Samantha Charlton, the team's defensive lapses allowed the Korean side to score three consecutive goals.

Anita Punt fought back to secure a 3-3 halftime scoreline, and the signs of a tight second half were further recognised when both sides scored in quick succession in the second half.

But from there the Champions Trophy bronze medalists' defensive frailties, emphasised further by the hot Argentine conditions, emerged again as Korea took a 5-4 lead before sealing the match near the end of the match.

Coach Mark Hager said their lapses in defence cost them.

"Defensive lapses let us down again today, in particular our inability to defend penalty corners. We also needed to make the most of the penalty corners that we were awarded."

With a game against Britain still to come, the loss means New Zealand are virtually out of playoff contention, needing the host nation to lose their final two matches to finish ahead of the South American giants on goal difference.