Black Sticks draw against Japan

New Zealand snared their first points at the women's hockey World Cup today when fighting back to draw 2-2 with Japan at Rosario, Argentina.

While showing character to recover from a 0-2 deficit early in the second half with two goals in the space of one minute, the New Zealanders were left to rue their inability to convert from the set piece.

They forced seven penalty corners in the match and scored from none of them, while Japan did not force the first of their two penalty corners until two minutes from fulltime.

Coming off losses to Germany and the Netherlands, New Zealand dominated the first half but were unable to find the net.

Their attacking third play was blunted by a tenacious Japanese defence, led by impressive goalkeeper Sakiyo Asano, who repeatedly blocked or deflected New Zealand's shots on goal.

Changing ends at 0-0, Japan broke the deadlock 12 minutes into the second half when Kaori Chiba deflected a cross from Ai Murakami over the outstretched hand of New Zealand goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit.

They then doubled their lead 7min later when Mie Nakashima produced a razor sharp deflection to again beat Jurgeleit.

New Zealand's fate seemed sealed at this point but they stayed in the contest when Krystal Forgesson goaled from a cross delivered by Gemma Flynn 14min before fulltime.

They levelled the scores 1min later when Anita Punt produced a strong run before finding captain Kayla Sharland in front of the goalmouth where she clinically completed the job.

New Zealand's next pool match is against Australia on Monday morning (NZT).

- NZPA