New Zealand went to nine points after beating South Africa 4-0 in Friday's game at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand and Korea are already qualified for Tuesday’s medal matches as Ireland and South Africa cannot overtake them anymore.
The second game of the day between South Africa and New Zealand started as an evenly contested game with both teams making strong attacking moves. As the half progressed New Zealand began to take control, building up play from the midfield and attacking quickly. Phumelela MBANDE, goal keeper for South Africa, consistently repelled New Zealand’s shots on goal, making many fantastic saves.
Rhiannon DENNISON of New Zealand opened the scoring with a brilliant break from the midfield and firing a shot past the keeper. New Zealand continued to attack late in the second half, earning a number of penalty corners. Michaela CURTIS converted two penalty corners in quick concession to take New Zealand into half time with a 3-0 lead.
In the second half, New Zealand continued the same way that they had ended the first, a strong run up the right saw the ball crossed into the middle with a calm finish from Rhiannon DENNISON to make it 4-0. New Zealand continued to dominate proceedings with numerous penalty corners and shots on targets but found Phumelela MBANDE impossible to beat. South Africa wAS restricted to a couple of counter attacks but these led to nothing as the New Zealand defence remained firm. As the rain came down the game became slightly scrappy in the last 10 minutes with New Zealand coming out deserved winners. The win retains New Zealand’s chances of the Gold Medal match with the pool match against Argentina to decide whether it is the Gold Medal or Bronze Medal match that New Zealand will contest on Finals Day.
South Africa v New Zealand 0-4 (0-3)
0-1 17' Rhiannon DENNISON (FG)
0-2 23' Michaela CURTIS (PC)
0-3 25' Michaela CURTIS (PC)
0-4 37' Rhiannon DENNISON (FG)
CLICK HERE FOR THE HOCKEY NEW ZEALAND TECHNICAL MATCH REPORT
ENDS
