Heather McEwan lurked in the circle close-in as a shot came in from the top of the D following a penalty corner award. The ball rebounded from the New Zealand goalkeeper. McEwan took a pace back, balanced and then prodded the ball through her legs and into the goal.
It happened in a nano-second but it seemed an age until the ball travelled only a few feet and was clearly in view behind the goal line, but the strike will live in the memory of all Scots hockey fans.
McEwan’s (pictured) priceless goal came with 44min 45sec on the clock, sending Scotland fans in the sparsely-populated Belfius Arena in Wavre into raptures.
The players raised their arms in celebration on and off the pitch but and there was still over 16 minutes on the clock for Scotland to survive.
They did, despite the Black Sticks withdrawing their goalkeeper with seven minutes remaining.
Pure joy for the travelling fans and for hose watching at home. Scotland recording back-to-back wins in the World Cup following Saturday’s nerve-wracking, 2-1 success over Ireland, their first World Cup win for decades.
The team and staff congregated into a huddle at the final whistle then made their way to salute the fans. This was, undoubtedly, a moment of Scottish Hockey history, and one to savour for all who made the journey to Belgium.
Currently, Scotland proudly top Group H with six points from their three matches with USA second on four, but they play Ireland, who are third with three points. The Kiwis prop up the group with one point from three outings.
It appears that Scotland could face England, rated No 7 in the world, if they are top of the pile after all group games, or Japan, ranked No 14, if they finish runners-up. That is for the future.
Enjoy the moment and also reflect that New Zealand started the game well and, overall, they had nine shots on goal against five from the Tartan Hearts.
They also enjoyed over 54.5 per cent of possession against Scotland’s 45.5 per cent.
The Kiwis also had 15 circle penetrations against eight and had six penalty corners awarded. Scotland had two. Those numbers don’t count.
The Tartan Hearts prevailed, digging in when the had to and taking the opportunities when they arrived.
It was 0-0 at half-time but Brittany Wang took advantage of a defensive lapse to fire the Kiwis in front after 22min 29sec after the ball had been sent hard and low across the circle from the right.
Scotland re-grouped against a side keen to use the whole width of the pitch. Ellie MacKenzie, who has been a stand-out for the Scots in this tournament, had caused their rivals problems throughout and she darted into the circle from a free hit. Her cross was met by diving Fiona Burnet and her deflection sent the ball high into the net. Time 25min 36sec.
The equaliser arrived at the right time, just over three minutes after New Zealand had broken the deadlock, and with only a few minutes to the break.
Scotland, however, were exceedingly fortunate as Olivia Shannon was through on goal and in the circle with nobody around ready to pull the trigger when the hooter for the end of the session arrived.
McEwan struck to edge the Scots ahead, and there were some more scary moments, and leading players, including Jen Eadie, used their experience to manage the game in the dying minutes, but the final scoreline read Scotland 2, New Zealand 1. That was all that mattered to the Tartan Hearts, currently No 13 in the world, their highest ever ranking. New Zealand are 11th, but this result will change the numbers.
Scotland have, however, moved on from the disappointment of the disallowed goal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games clash with New Zealand in Birmingham, and they must lift themselves again, one more time in this tournament featuring the best in the world.
Katie Birch, their Player of the Match against New Zealand, said they will empty the tank against whoever is put in front of them. Yes, do that and see where that takes the squad.
