India v New Zealand (Pool B) at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Simon Watts / Photosport
It was a tough start to the 'pool of death' for the New Zealand men's hockey team at the Paris Olympics on Sunday morning (NZ time), falling 3-2 to Tokyo bronze medallists India.
New Zealand will rue some basic errors in possession that might have cost them the chance to snatch points from the higher-ranked side.
But confidence can be taken from the performance of Olympic debutant keeper Dom Dixon, who put on a marvellous display to prevent more goals.
At the other end of the pitch, the Indian keeper was also doing his best in denying Kiwi goals, with New Zealand creating a number of opportunities resulting in shots, goals and penalty corners.
It was an early penalty corner that saw the team in black grab the lead when Sam Lane, scoring is first goal since breaking his foot six months ago, struck with a well-placed flick.
PARIS - 2024 Olympic Games Men & Women 06 India v New Zealand (Pool B) Picture: Sam Lane celebrates with Blair Tarrant after scoring the teamâs first goal Jacob Smith Hugs and Cheering COPYRIGHT WORLDSPORTPICS/ Simon Watts Photo: Simon Watts / Photosport
India equalised through a penalty corner of their own midway into the second quarter, but it still looked like New Zealand were in control.
Coming out of the half-time break, though, India looked to assert themselves in the game and found themselves ahead three minutes in - although there were some questions as to whether the ball crossed the line or not, with the video umpire being unable to conclusively decide, leaving the on-field call of a goal to stand.
PARIS - 2024 Olympic Games Men & Women 06 India v New Zealand (Pool B) Picture: New Zealand line up for the national anthem prior to the match against India COPYRIGHT WORLDSPORTPICS/ Simon Watts Photo: Simon Watts / Photosport
New Zealand stuck with the game however, and earned a number of opportunities in the third quarter. None were converted, but it showed their intent.
The Kiwis won a penalty corner with seven minutes remaining in the match, and were able to convert, with Simon Child tallying his 148th NZ goal to bring the game level.
PARIS - 2024 Olympic Games Men & Women 06 India v New Zealand (Pool B) Picture: Scott Boyde COPYRIGHT WORLDSPORTPICS/ Simon Watts Photo: Simon Watts / Photosport
Sam Lane celebrates after scoring the team's first goal. Photo: Simon Watts / Photosport
But, there was more late drama when India won a penalty stroke with two minutes remaining when the ball hit a defender's foot just in front of the goal, which they scored to take it to the final result of 3-2.
It does not get any easier for New Zealand when they take on defending Olympic champions Belgium on Monday (5.30pm local time, 3.30am NZ time).
