A resilient New Zealand twice came back from behind to beat a fighting Canada 3-2 in a Pool A opening match of the hockey World Cup here today.
The Black Sticks, who were trailing 1-2 at the breather, made a strong comeback in the second session to start their World Cup campaign on a winning note.
Indian-origin player Priyesh Bhana (11th minute), Nicholas Haig (47th) and veteran play maker Ryan Archibald (67th) scored for New Zealand.
For Canada, who were dominant till midway of the opening session, Mark Pearson (2nd minute) and Philip Wright (20th) found the target.
Even as the hundred-odd spectators barely settled down, Pearson sounded the board with a fine field goal in the second minute following a scramble inside the striking circle.
New Zealand striker Priyesh Bhana, who made it to squad after Simon Child pulled out of the tournament due to security fears, made a fine turn inside the Canadian circle and even though his first attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex, he scored from the second attempt to restore parity in the 11th minute.
