Black Sticks player Kane Russell Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Black Sticks men have been outclassed 6-1 by Argentina in a one-sided Pro League match in Antwerp.
New Zealand failed to capitalise on their opportunities and found themselves wanting on counter-attack defence in their first match of the latest round of matches which features men's and women's internationals involving New Zealand, Argentina and Belgium.
A Kane Russell penalty corner strike gave the Black Sticks an early lead but the scores were level by the end of the first quarter.
Argentina were sharper for the remainder of the contest, not helped when New Zealand's Sean Findlay was green-carded for foul play during the second quarter.
The New Zealand men next face Belgium on Monday morning, while the women open their European campaign on Sunday morning against Argentina.
- RNZ