The Black Sticks have battled to a 1-1 draw with Australia at the women's hockey World Cup in London, and now must beat Argentina in a cross-over match to make the quarter-finals.
Blacks Sticks captain Stacey Michelsen and Australian Edwina Bone Photo: Photosport
If the world No.4 New Zealanders beat third-ranked Argentina, they go on to again meet the fifth-ranked Australians in knock-out play.
Both teams started the match knowing a win would mean topping the pool and direct passage to the last eight.
The Black Sticks struck first, pressuring Australia into mistakes in the 13th minute as they attempted to play the ball out from the back.
Busy New Zealand forward Kelsey Smith forced defensive errors from both Jodie Kenny and Georgina Morgan, taking possession and firing in a shot which was saved by Australian goalkeeper Rachael Lynch.
However, Olivia Merry was quick to pounce, slotting the rebound home.
Australian replied three minutes into the second quarter, Edwina Bone firing in a cross from the right flank for captain Emily Smith, who took two touches to get the ball under control and then calmly finished beneath onrushing goalkeeper Sally Rutherford.
Australia dominated after halftime, retaining quality possession, looking dangerous on the counterattack and successfully starving New Zealand's big match players Stacey Michelsen and Anita Mclaren of a supply line.
The Black Sticks pressure with a final strong quarter, holding onto more than 55 percent possession and unleashing four shots on goal to Australia's one.
New Zealand coach Mark Hager said the result was gut-wrenching, especially after recording 17 shots to Australia's nine.
"It was a typical Aussie against New Zealand battle - both teams had chances to win the game, but probably just our inability in front of goal has hurt us a bit."
Hager was confident his team would be ready to refocus and lift for the clash against Argentina.
"We're confident with every game we go into and we'll prepare well and just come out and play our game and do things well."
-RNZ
