At the BDO Champions Challenge in Salta, Argentina i are now the only team with two wins after a decisive 3-1 wint over Pakistan.. India, New Zealand and South Africa all won their games on the same score of 4-1.
Pool A
No Venue | BDO Men's Champions Challenge Pool A (National Mens) | Match Report(s)
No Venue | BDO Men's Champions Challenge Pool A (National Mens) | Match Report(s)
Pool B
No Venue | BDO Men's Champions Challenge Pool B (National Mens) | Match Report(s)
No Venue | BDO Men's Champions Challenge Pool B (National Ladies) | Match Report(s)
On day two of the Champions Challenge in Salta Argentina, New Zealand was up against first day winners Belgium. Missing a number of their first choice players who returned home after the recent World Cup qualifier, the Belgium squad contained a number of very young players, but they also knew that a victory would see them through to the semi final, so the scene was set for a close encounter.
New Zealand dominated from the start and gained an early opportunity with a penalty corner after only three minutes, but the flick was easily saved. The Belgium defense was regularly being breached by New Zealand but the final combination of passes were missing their target, allowing Belgium the opportunity to counter attack. New Zealand were finally able to break the deadlock when from their fourth penalty corner, a Richard Petherick flick struck the defender on the line and the resulting stroke was converted by Dean Couzins.
Belgium continued to counter attack whenever possible, and they drew level just before the break when they entered the circle near the base line on the left. New Zealand made several unsuccessful attempts to clear the ball, only to see it finally fall to an attacking playing in front of goal. It was an untidy scrappy goal, but never the less, a goal.
Half time 1 - 1.
In the second half New Zealand continued to make all the running, but despite the good build up play, very few shots at goal from the field were achieved. Twelve minutes into the half another penalty corner resulted in a second stroke when Andy Hayward struck the defender on the line, this time the stroke was converted by Ryan Archibald.
Belgium had a great chance to draw level again with only eight minutes remaining, their player trapped the ball mid circle only to have an “air shot” when trying to finish a good move.
New Zealand finally made the game safe when Simon Child fired a shot high into the net a minute later, and this was complemented by the goal of the match two minutes later when New Zealand strung a series of passes together including a number of one- touch passes in the circle, to leave Hugo Inglis with an easy finish at the left post.
Statistically New Zealand probably deserved the result they achieved as the penalty corner count was 9 - 0 in their favour, however they would be disappointed that it took 63 minutes to finally eliminate Belgium.
New Zealand now have a rest day before meeting China on Thursday at 14.05. (5.05am Friday NZ time)
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