New Zealand beat Japan 1-0

A 43rd minute goal by Simon Child powered the Kiwis to a victory and placed them at the top of pool A with seven points.

A 43rd minute goal by Simon Child powered New Zealand to a 1-0 victory against Japan and placed them at the top of pool A with seven points in the 11th FIH men's hockey World Cup at Monchengladbach.

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The Kiwis had to work hard for their second win in three matches by the determined Japanese who had lost their previous game to Pakistan.

But the Kiwis were never really threatened and bided their time before Child flicked in a pass from Phillip Burrows.