New Zealand Women Stun Australia in Hockey World League
New Zealand go top of Pool with their third consecutive win. Australia are placed second.
New Zealand pulled off the biggest surprise of the ongoing World League Semifinals with a 2-0 win over World Cup silver medalists Australia in the women's preliminary league here.
After a goalless first half, World No. 4 New Zealand surged ahead through captain Anita Punt's penalty corner conversion in the 37th minute at the KHC Dragons Stadium.
The match was put beyond Australia's reach by a open field goal from Ella Gunson in the 54th minute, taking New Zealand to the top of Pool B with victories in all three outings, giving them the maximum nine points.
World No. 2 Australia are placed in second spot with six points from three outings and now take on India in their last pool outing on Saturday.
New Zealand will meet hosts Belgium in their last game. Belgium, who started with a 1-0 victory over India, defeated Poland 2-0 last night. The Belgian girls now have six points from three outings, having suffered the only defeat at the hands of Australia.
In Pool A matches, Asian Games gold medalists South Korea outplayed France 11-0, while Japan were held to a 2-2 draw by Italy.