By Michelle Pickles
With two minutes on the clock the Black Sticks’ entire tournament was in the hands of their captain Dean Couzins - and he duly delivered.
“I think it did dawn on me a little bit the importance of the stroke but I felt reasonably calm at the same time... but post stroke definitely just relief and joy,” says Couzins.
Down 3-0 to the Netherlands, the Black Sticks had looked down and out.
But they never gave up and three goals later had pulled off a incredible comeback.
“Yesterday was something a bit special you know. Quite like the saying it’s not the size of the dog but the fight that’s in the dog and they certainly showed a lot of fight and determination,” says Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod.
“Ideally you don't get yourself in that situation but once we did I think its great and its something you can bank. Like if it’s going to be that situation at the Olympics against them or another team it’s nice to have it in the back of your mind its something you can do,” says Couzins.
Particularly when it's against the third best side in the world.
“It's a bit of reassurance that we're on the right track that our preparation heading towards London has taken another step forward rather than a pause or a step backwards so it means a lot,” says McLeod.
It will mean even more if they can continue their success in the semi finals where they'll face Olympic silver medallists Spain tomorrow and the top ranked side Australia on Saturday.
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