By IANS,
Chandigarh : Olympic champions Germany fought back to hold New Zealand 2-2 in the Punjab Gold Cup hockey tournament here Sunday.
New Zealand took a 2-0 lead with Lloyd Stephenson and Blair Hilton striking for them. Germany came back in the second half with Olympian Lietz Tobias scoring both the goals to pull off a draw.
The match was well fought with both teams playing attacking hockey.
New Zealand struck early and got a penalty stroke in the fourth minute. Kiwi striker Lloyd Stephenson made no mistake with the shot and gave Black Sticks a 1-0 lead.
Germany got three penalty corners in the first half but failed to convert any and New Zealand ended the first half 1-0.
New Zealand added another goal in the 44th minute when midfielder Blair Hilton intersected a cross cleanly and sounded the board.
Stung by the two goals, Germany stepped on the gas and made several forays in the rival defence.
Tobias converted two penalty corners in 46th and 66th minute to level.
Germany and New Zealand won a point each for the draw
New Zealand’s goal-keeper Kyle Pontifex was awarded man-of-the-match.