Updated on
Summary
Two goals in two minutes clinched New Zealand's 4-2 victory over Pakistan in the Champions Challenge hockey tournament final in Argentina this morning, earning them a spot in next year's Champions Trophy.Pakistan scored first, in the seventh minute when Abbas Sohail flicked the ball into the net off a penalty corner.New Zealand equalised in the 15th minute when midfielder Ryan Archibald scored off his side's first penalty corner, then grabbed the lead in the 20th when captain Phil Burrows slipped the ball home.New Zealand goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex thwarted a Pakistan penalty corner a minute later, but was unable to stop a shot from experienced Pakistan striker Butt Rehan in the final minute of the first half.Pakistan created the first real second half chance in the 46th minute with a penalty corner, saved by Pontifex.Two minutes later New Zealand hit the cross bar, but continued to push hard, taking advantage of a weakening Pakistan defence.The work paid off in the 65th minute when 19-year-old striker Nick Wilson scored, and again a minute later when Burrows found back of the net for a second time, taking the final score to 4-2.The win qualifies New Zealand for next year's elite six-nation Champions Trophy tournament.
