New Zealand defeated by Germany 1-0 at 2011 Rabo FIH Champions Trophy
Black Sticks came across a disappointing defeat from the German women hockey team by a close 1-0 in the opening match of the 2011 Rabo FIH Champions Trophy, on June 25 that was held at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
During the first half, the Black Sticks dominated the play without allowing any chance for Germany to leave their defensive half.
The opening of the match was exhilarating with Charlotte Harrison’s from New Zealand attempting reverse-stick shot into the net in the first ten minutes, but it got deflected out on hitting the goal’s pole.
The Black Sticks continued to pressurise their opponent team when a pair of excellent strikers, Ella Gunson and Katie Glynn, penetrated Germany’s defensive circle and attempted a shot that was denied.
Until the 28th minute, Germany found its first penalty-corner that was brilliantly converted by Julia Muller, opening scores at 1-0. The first half closed with no further changes on the score-board.
In the second half, a better German side was found performing on the field with more domination and control over the ball, disallowing New Zealand to make-up with an equaliser.
On the other hand, Black Stick's goal-keeper, Bianca Russel, played well beating down each of Germany’s attempt to score, during the second half.
In the 50th minute, a perfect shot made by Anita Punt with a reverse-stick failed to go past the German goal-keeper, Barbara Vogel.
With three minutes left on the clock, a penalty-corner to New Zealand raised the hopes to meet with an equaliser, but disappointingly it was denied by Vogel.
Conclusively, the match concluded in favour of Germany, winning by 1-0 over the Black Sticks.
At the end of the match, Mark Hager, New Zealand women hockey team’s coach, said that it was frustrating that despite a number of scoring chances, the team lost the match against Germany.
He commented, “At times we panicked in the attacking circle, made poor decisions and the execution of our set skills at the penalty corners was not great. We are here to improve and perform against the best teams in the world – if we can improve on last
year that is good, but as a team we really want to start winning against top teams when it counts.”
In this match, Samantha Harrison celebrated her 50th International Test.
In the next match, Black Sticks will be playing against the world number six, Australia on June 26, and later against the host team, Netherlands on June 29.
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