A 3-3 draw with the strong Dutch team gave the New Zealand men's hockey side a solid start to their World League semifinal tournament in Rotterdam today.
Indeed the sixth-ranked Black Sticks, playing a few hours after the national women's team thumped India 7-0, led 3-1 early in the second half, despite being dominated in terms of possession and scoring opportunities.
However, the Netherlands ended strongly and diligent work by the defence, including goalkeeper Hamish McGregor, was required to keep the point.
Striker Hugo Inglis scored twice in the first half, with Jacob Smith nudging the third goal in early in the second half from close range.
Jeroen Hertzberger scored twice for the third-ranked Netherlands before Valentin Verga got the equaliser late on.
"It was a good result for us and shows that we are continuing to improve," New Zealand coach Colin Batch said. "We've had a tough time with injuries but the way the guys prepared for the match is a real credit to them.
"I thought there were several players who played their best game for New Zealand today so overall it was an outstanding effort.
"Having said that, it is just one game in the tournament and we will need to go away now and prepare for what will be a tough game against Ireland who also had a good game today."
New Zealand play Ireland in their second game on Saturday night (NZT). Ireland kicked off their Pool B play with a 4-4 draw against India.
- David Leggat of the New Zealand Herald
