The Vantage Black Sticks continued their strong start to the 2025 Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup with a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Korea in challenging, rainy conditions. With Korea having suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to India, the match presented a crucial opportunity for the Vantage Black Sticks to climb to the top of the table, and they seized the opportunity.
The opening quarter was evenly matched, with both teams creating chances but unable to make the early breakthrough. As the weather deteriorated and water began to collect on the surface, the game turned into a sloppier, more unpredictable contest.
Despite the conditions, the Vantage Black Sticks struck first. Sustained pressure late in the second quarter resulted in a penalty corner, and Sam Lane converted with precision to give the side a 1-0 lead. But in the final second of the half, Korea won a penalty corner of their own to level the score, sending the teams into halftime at 1-1.
The third quarter belonged almost entirely to the Vantage Black Sticks. They dominated the area, controlled the pace and created seven scoring opportunities, while limiting Korea to just one. Lane and Isaac Houlbrooke came agonizingly close on several occasions, but the Korean defense held firm to maintain the level of play heading into the final period.
The Vantage Black Sticks asserted their dominance in the fourth quarter. Lane delivered an excellent deflection to score his second of the match, restoring the lead and shifting the momentum firmly in their favour. Moments later, debutant Nick Lidstone, playing in only his second international match, scored the team’s third goal, a brilliant moment for the youngster and another great milestone in his first tournament.
Lane’s two-goal performance earned him Player of the Match honors, capping off a standout match and strong day for the Vantage Black Sticks, who now move to the top of the tournament standings.
A successful outing, a confident performance and excellent momentum as the Azlan Shah Cup continues.
#Zealand #SAM #LANES #DOUBLE #NICK #LIDSTONES