Pakistan 4---New Zealand 4

Monchengladbach, Sept. 8: New Zealand gave Pakistan a run for their money in their second league match at the Warseiter Hockey Park here on Friday. In a match marred by ugly scuffles and controversies, Pakistan barely managed to pull off a 4-4 draw against their robust opponents.

The Black Caps held the upper hand throughout, and troubled the Pakistan defence time and again. Pakistan, who won their opening match against Japan convincingly on Thursday, appeared jaded and were found wanting in all departments.

Goalkeeper Salman Akbar had a tough time and even lost his temper when Malaysian umpire Amarjit Singh awarded a stroke to the Kiwis.

For the Black Caps, Dean Couzins scored a brace (both off penalty strokes), while Blair Hoppings and Hayden Shaw converted one each.

Mohammed Zubair from Pakistan also scored twice — including the crucial equaliser five minutes from the hooter. Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt were the other goal scorers. Earlier on Thursday, European champions Spain started their campaign in style, upsetting world No. 1 and Olympic champions Australia 3-1 in a Group A match.

Title favourites Holland, who shockingly lost to South Korea 2-3 on Wednesday, beat 2-0 in Group B. Taeke Taekema and Geert-Jan Derikx struck for the Dutch in their below par performance against South Africa. Spain took the lead in the eighth minute off an Edward Tubau strike. Pol Amat and Xavier Ribas struck in the 21st and the 41st minutes respectively to make it 3-0 for Spain.

Australia managed to pull one back in the 47th minute off a penalty corner conversion by Troy Elder.