The Black Sticks have got their Olympic qualifying campaign off to a great start with a 3-1 win over Chile overnight.
The men in black were dominant, dictating the tempo throughout and controlling possession.
Jake Smith scored the opening goal seven minutes in, after excellent build-up play from Simon Yorston and Joe Morrison.
Five minutes later, the Black Sticks extended their lead with another brilliant play. Kane Russell delivered a precise ball to Scott Boyde in the circle, who swept the ball into the goal, his first for New Zealand.
Chile had a goal ruled out in the second quarter for using the back of the stick, and the teams went into the halftime break with New Zealand leading 2-0.
New Zealand scored late in the third quarter to extend their lead. Aidan Sarikaya played a great cross from the wing to Sam Lane, who calmly slotted the ball into the goal.
The final quarter was more subdued, and Chile scored a consolation goal in the dying moments.
The Black Sticks will next face Germany in their second pool match tomorrow.
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