New Zealand rally to qualify for 2010 Hockey WC

New Zealand rallied from a goal down to defeat Malaysia 2-1 in the BDO World Cup Qualifier final in Invercargill, New Zealand and find a place the 2010 hockey World Cup.

In the final against Malaysia, New Zealand looked very sluggish from the start and were foxed by the speed of the Malaysians.

And, rightfully it was Malaysia who were awarded a 18th minute penalty corner and Mohammed Rahim drove the ball in, which was a well working variation at the setplay.

Malaysia continued to put the hosts under pressure and remained resolute, going to the break with a one goal lead.

New Zealand needed a star turn to step it up in the second session but it took some time coming before they could find the equaliser.

Being down, New Zealand finally found the equaliser in the 57th minute. After a succession of penalty corners, Andy Hayward sounded the boards to equalise.

The goal injected some life into the Kiwi attack as they went looking for the lead. They got more of the possession and camped deep in the opposition half.

New Zealand were awarded another PC that was taken by Hayward. He stepped up to the spot and used a drag flick, low to the right to put New Zealand in the lead.

With ten minutes to go and with the Malaysians reeling, New Zealand continued to press forward. With time almost up on the clock New Zealand sensed the win; the final hooter was sounded to confirm the come from behind 2-1 win for New Zealand, who take the eleventh position at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010.