Africa-Press – Namibia. NAMIBIA’s men qualified for the quarterfinals of the Indoor Hockey World Cup after drawing 4-4 against New Zealand on Thursday night. The result saw them finishing fourth in Pool A and they will now meet the top team in Pool B, the United States, in the quarterfinals at 17h30 on Friday.
Namibia got off to an electrifying start against New Zealand, with Dylan Finch stabbing in a cross by Liam Hermanus after only 10 seconds. At the other end Namibian keeper DJ Strauss saved from Stephen Atkinson and Vance Harvey, but Namibia went further ahead when they won a penalty on 7 minutes and Liam Hermanus made no mistake from the spot.
Namibia continued their onslaught and went 3-0 ahead early in the second quarter when Percy Barthram finished off a counter-attack by Nico Neethling. Namibia won two short corners in quick succession but could not capitalise and New Zealand opened their account when Bradley Coxon scored from a short corner on 16 minutes
Namibia immediately struck back from the restart with a great solo goal by Liam Hermanus, flicking in over New Zealand’s keeper, Louis Beckert and with a 4-1 lead, they seemed to be cruising to victory.
New Zealand, though, had other plans, and struck back with a vengeance, scoring two goals within a minute. Alexander Parker Brennan scored from a quick counterattack, while Benedict van Woerkom scored from the penalty spot after a foul in the box, to reduce the deficit to 4-3 at the end of the second quarter.
New Zealand stepped up the pressure in the third quarter, but Namibian keeper Richter van Rooyen brought off fine saves from Coxon, Isaac Houlbrooke and Harvey.
In the final quarter, Namibia won a few more short corners, but failed to convert their chances and New Zealand punished them when Brennan scored from a Van Woerkom intercept, to force a 4-4 draw.
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