Hockey World Cup 2018: Argentina vs New Zealand - 5 Talking Points

#4 New Zealand fail to find an early opening goal

New Zealand lost the plot after failing to score early

Stephen Jenness stormed his way into the Argentine circle in the opening seconds and the Black Sticks exerted enormous pressure on the opposition defence not allowing them any time to settle down.

The strategy for New Zealand was to stun the opposition with a couple of quick goals but Peillat, Gilardi, and Ibarra maintained their composure and made some vital interceptions.

Darren Smith's boys tried much the same ploy in the second half as well with a similar result and apart from the early forays, the New Zealand strikers failed to make an impact, allowing the opposition to regain control and dictate terms for pretty much the entire duration of the match.

While Argentina defended well, the New Zealand strikers lacked coordination up front and Kane Russell failed to power the drag-flicks past Vivaldi who seems to be getting better with age.