NZ Hockey: U21 Men claim win at Junior World Cup

Photo by - World Sport Pics

The New Zealand Under 21 Men have opened with a 1-0 victory over Japan at the Junior World Cup in Lucknow.

It was a tight encounter which saw both sides create plenty of scoring opportunities, with Ollie Logan delivering the game winner with a 55th minute penalty corner drag flick.

Kiwi goalkeeper Thomas Mallon had an outstanding game and alongside his back four, kept a clean sheet under huge pressure from Japan who had nine penalty corners but were stopped every time.

The result sees New Zealand take away three points with two games to play in the pool phase with only the top two moving through to the quarter finals.

Man of the Match Logan said it was pleasing to open the tournament with a win.

“It’s great to come away with maximum points from our opening game. We came in with a lot of information on Japan, we knew what we needed to do and came away with a result which is great for us.

“We’ve got some very good flickers in the team so to be able to play my part and put one into the net was a really good feeling.”

The New Zealand Under 21s are back in action in their second game at the Junior World Cup when they take on Germany on Saturday at 1:30am (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport.

NEW ZEALAND 1: (Ollie Logan)
JAPAN 0
Halftime: 0-0

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