NZ go down to Spain
11/30/2011 08:19:40 PM
A 3-4 loss to Spain in a Champions Trophy warm-up game on Wednesday left New Zealand with points to ponder ahead of the tournament start on Saturday.
New Zealand led 2-0 after 10 minutes but the world No.4-ranked side Spain led 3-2 at halftime.
Ryan Archibald scored New Zealand's first from a penalty corner rebound and then in the eighth minute he scored against from a penalty corner clearance.
Spain scored from a penalty corner drag flick to Jorge Gabriel Dabanch while a passing movement saw David Alegre score their second. Alex Casayas gave the side the halftime lead while a dubious penalty stroke allowed Eduard Tubau to extend the lead to 4-2.
New Zealand finished strongly with a deflected goal claimed by Hugh Inglis.
Coach Shane McLeod said the need for concentration was obvious.
"We got rewarded for things we did well and punished for our mistakes, but that's what happens at this level," he said.
Turnovers proved especially frustrating for New Zealand.
"While the result was disappointing, it will be good in the way that we had a tough game and it will keep the guys grounded," McLeod said.