The scoreline was showing 3-3 and with Spain sitting pretty at 'Plus-2' goal advantage, with Kiwi colts needed a certain goal to survive
"Sorry for my English," Spain captain Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon has been quick to add every time he interacts with media after the match. On Sunday, he was too happy to offer similar apology after nearly escaping an early exit during their encounter against spirited New Zealand here.
It was close, for sure. The moment final hooter sounded, Black Caps were still to execute their penalty corner against Spain. The scoreline was showing 3-3 and with Spain sitting pretty at 'Plus-2' goal advantage, with Kiwi colts needed a certain goal to survive.
As goalie Alberto Carnicer punched the ball out with his right fist, Spaniards circled him all around and started singing and dancing. This was the most difficult way to set up a most likely quarterfinal clash against hosts India on Thursday.
Spain took the lead in the 21st minute through Llorenc Piera Grau before Kiwi colts seized the initiative in the second-half through goals from Sam Hiha (44th) and Jonty Keaney (59th).
However, Spain took just three minutes to draw levels through skipper De Castejon field strike. New Zealand restored their lead four minutes later when Dylan Thomas struck a field goal but New Zealand's hopes were shattered by last minute goal by the Spaniard Jan Lara Rosell.
Both teams ended their pool engagements with four points from three matches but it was the Spaniards which sailed through to the knock-out stages, courtesy better goal difference.
The most unlikely result of the day came from Pool B when Belgium defeated European champions Holland 3-2 to virtually book a place in the last eight.
Stopwatch: Pool B: Belgium 3 (V Thomas 48, VL Quentin 56, R Henri 69) bt The Netherlands (P Terrance 38, G Bram 64); Malaysia 2 (M Zulhamizan 13, H Khaliq 61) bt Egypt 0
Pool C: Germany 6 (S Constantin 3, B Anton 25, B Anton 39, PT Ole 54, H Timm 58, W Lukas63) bt Japan 1 (O Ryo 67); Spain 3 (PG Llorenc 21, G Enrique 62, LR Jan 69) drew with New Zealand 3 (H Sam 44, K Jonty 59, T Dylan 66)
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