The New Zealand women's hockey team has turned in its best game of the World League Final in Auckland, upsetting reigning champions Argentina 2-1 in their quarter-final.
New Zealand celebrate a goal against Argentina. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
World number three Argentina were dangerous from the opening whistle on Wednesday night and scored early before a tremendous fightback powered New Zealand to a famous victory and a place in the semifinals.
The Black Sticks will next go up against the winner of Thursday night's quarterfinal between England and the USA.
It was an extra special night for New Zealand's Shiloh Gloyn, who played her 50th test in a match she certainly won't forget.
Defender Samantha Charlton said it was an incredible feeling to go through a tough pool phase and finally click when it counted.
"Everyone is pretty happy right now. We didn't have the start to the tournament that we were expecting but we knew we'd get up for any game in the quarters and it was great to see us do that today.
"It was good to see the girls really play with belief tonight even after going down early. You could see everyone had that fight in them.
"Whether it's England or USA in the semi final we know it will be a tough game but we are certainly up for the challenge."
Argentina edged ahead in just the second minute when Delfina Merino capitalised on an opportunity deep in the circle to knock the ball past goalkeeper Sally Rutherford.
New Zealand rallied following the goal and created some great phases of play but went into halftime still trailing.
The Kiwis caught fire early in the third quarter and equalised through a 32nd minute penalty corner which Brooke Neal rocketed into the roof of the net.
Captain Stacey Michelsen put the Black Sticks in front just a minute later from another corner, getting a deflection on a great Ella Gunson ball to the far post.
New Zealand absorbed huge pressure from Argentina in the final quarter but were strong on defence with Rutherford also making some crucial saves.
In Wednesday night's other quarterfinal, Korea upset Germany 3-1 in a shoot-out after the game was locked up 3-3 at fulltime.
The Netherlands and China square off in Thursday night's fourth and last quarterfinal.
