New Zealand clinched the second spot in Pool A after playing out a 2-2 draw with Spain in the Hockey World Cup 2018 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

New Zealand returned the happier of the two, ending Pool A with 4 points, 2 behind Argentina and two ahead of Spain.

Spain were way ahead in the match scoring once each in the first two quarters of the game. Albert Beltran scored first in the 9th minute of the match in what could easily qualify to be one of the best field goals of this World Cup. Alvaro Iglesias then doubled the lead in the dying stages of the 2nd quarter.

When things were looking downhill for New Zealand, they made a strong comeback in the second half of the match. Hayden Phillips scored the first goal and then Kane Russell converted the penalty corner to make it 2-2 with just 3 minutes away from the final hooter.

Argentina have already secured direct qualification to the quarterfinals by virtue of their wins in the first two matches. New Zealand are certain to play the cross-over to determine the four spots available for quarter-finals, while Spain will have to look forward to the result of Argentina vs France match later in the evening.