NZ hopes dashed

Ryan Archibald muffed a 31st minute penalty-stroke as New Zealand's semifinal hopes at the Hockey World Cup in India were dashed after a 1-0 loss to Argentina on Monday (NZT).

Archibald became New Zealand's most capped hockey international with 239 matches after overtaking women's legend Suzie Muirhead (formerly Pearce), but the game will not be one of the 29-year-old Aucklander's fondest.

Facundo Callioni's 55th minute goal for the South Americans, who had lost all of their opening three matches, proved decisive and they will also be buying goalkeeper Juan Thomas Espinosa a post-match pint for his heroic efforts.

The Blacks Sticks dominated their free-flowing fast-paced penultimate pool-match, but again missed several scoring opportunities and the void left by experienced forwards Simon Childs, who declared himself unavailable pre-tournament because of security concerns, and captain Phil Burrows (cork-calf) clearly hurt their attacking and finishing ability.

New Zealand coach Shane McLeod lamented crucial mistakes, especially the failed penalty attempt and stand-in captain Dean Couzins was gutted as his side must now rely on other results to go its way if it is to progress.

"It's disappointing to lose such a crucial game," he said.

"We knew this could be a vital match and that is how it turned out. We tried our best in the end to get the equaliser, but missed a few chances.

"It now all boils down to other games, but we still need to overcome the Germans."

New Zealand must now create an unlikely upset on Wednesday when it meets Olympic and world champion Germany, which conceded a late goal to draw 2-all with the unbeaten Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Korea kept its hopes alive with a 9-2 demolition of Canada.