Paris Olympics-bound New Zealand went on a goal-scoring spree with a methodical performance in the 30th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh today.
The 7-1 victory saw the Kiwis continue their domination and winning streak over the Canadians since January this year. In the FIH Olympics qualifiers in Oman, New Zealand won 4-0.
The Black Sticks went ahead from a Scott Boyde’s field goal 17th seconds into the game and looked composed. They earned two penalty corners in the eighth and 11th minutes but Canadian goalkeeper Zachary Coombs was on top of it and parried away.
George Baker, however, added the second goal for New Zealand from an almost identical strike, sneaking the ball past Coombs with a powerful drive, and Jake Smith made it 3-0 from a penalty corner conversion to take a 3-0 lead at half time.
New Zealand had the upper hand in the third quarter with Baker and Smith pounding the oppositions with a brace each. Baker increased the scoreline to 4-0 with a 41st minute field goal and Smith sealed the fifth goal in similar fashion on the hooter.
Rowan Childs, however, pulled one back for Canada who had a hard day keeping the Kiwis at bay with a field goal in the 46th minute. Baker, however, increased the lead to 6-1 with a field goal (59th) and his first hat-trick in the tournament while Scott nailed the final goal in the last few seconds of regulation time to give New Zealand a deserving victory.
New Zealand dominated the show with 12 penalty corner opportunities and a free-flow attacking style much to the delight of their fans.
NEW ZEALAND: GREG NICOL (COACH)
“The conditions were really tough with the heat and we managed to come through and get on top Canada. It was a good start to the tournament although we should have scored more goals from the many penalty corners we had. It was not our best performance and we are looking at a different perspective.
Today. we scored the first goal fast but slowed down in the first quarter. The goalkeeper from Canada was outstanding and kept us at bay. In the next game against Japan, we hope to make some changes and improve our game.”
CANADA: PATRICK TSHUTSHANI (COACH)
“A tournament like this gives us an opportunity to improve our game. Today, we did not make a good start and the players certainly allowed New Zealand much room for too many penetrations that saw our defence crumble in the first half.
There is no doubt New Zealand is a strong team and fast in attack. We will learn from this defeat and hope to put up a better show against host Malaysia. “
