A methodical performance by the Black Sticks highlighted by strong midfield and sharp finishing provided a comfortable closing match for a ninth place finish over a slow starting Argentinian team. 

While Argentina briefly controlled the opening minutes an errant free hit by Manuel Brunet was delivered into the circle by Simon Child for the awaiting Stephen Jenness to deflect past Jan Manuel Vivaldi for the first tally.

Matias Parades on the receiving end of a skillful give and go had his reverse bat find the side mesh, to cap a sequence of Argentina efforts that were a step short.

New Zealand extended twice, first with an immense corner flick by Richard Petherick and then quick reverse blast by Nicholas Wilson.  Argentina finished the half with nine players having both Lucas Rossi and Matias Vila serving suspensions, personifying the overall team frustration.

Argentina was eager to start the second half but their chances were either lacking or rebuked.  Kyle Pontifex stretching to make a penalty corner save on Peillat and then inducing the same to flick over the bar on his subsequent effort. 

With eleven to play Pedro Ibarra solves the puzzle with a low PC drag, however the Argentine ascendency was initiated too late.  New Zealand confidently absorbed the late charge to finish their campaign with a victory.

(Hari Kant)

Pedro IBARRA (ARG)

On Argentina's tournament: "At the start of the tournament we didn't play good, but I thought we played better at the end than we did at the start."

On lessons Argentina will take from the tournament: "We learnt that we cannot lose our minds in any minute of the match, because we can let three goals in like we did against Spain. We also learnt that unless you play 100% for 70 minutes, it is not enough."

On playing at the London 2012 Olympic Games: "It has been fantastic to play here. I think the people have been great. They have supported us in every match, from the morning until the night."

Gonzalo PEILLAT (ARG)

On how he will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, 12 August: "I am going to try to enjoy myself even though we have not done so well. This is my first Olympics so I can celebrate that as well. I wll go out with the guys to have something to eat and drink. I haven't seen much of London since I've been here so I am going to be a tourist for a while.

Matias VILA (ARG)

On the team's future plans: "We had everything planned for the Olympics and the expectations on us were high. We will have to sit down I think and come up with a new plan. We really thought we might do better, get into the top eight. Our fans at home who love us will still be there for us, but others may not speak so well of us. They expected a lot of us."

On the success of Argentina's women's team: "They have done well. We will all be watching their final."

Richard PETHERICK (NZL)

On New Zealand's tournament: "We certainly haven't met expectations so we're disappointed finishing ninth. Our ranking is seventh and we just needed to do better in pool play. That first game against Korea really cost us. Losing 2-0 when we had high expectations to win that match. We're disappointed with where we finished but to win today is a good way to finish."

On the team's next step: "We've got the (2012) Champions Trophy in Melbourne, so we've got to get home and get working hard on getting a performance in Melbourne later in December. Hopefully we'll perform well."

On competition with Andrew HAYWARD (NZL) for penalty corners:
"There's no competition. The one I flicked Andy (HAYWARD) was on the bench, he's the number one flicker at the moment so he generally takes the flicks, but I was lucky enough to get an opportunity and a lucky deflection and it went in the net so I'm stoked with that. There's no competition, we're good mates."

Nicholas WILSON (NZL)

On New Zealand's tournament:  "It's been disappointing for the whole New Zealand team. We came into the tournament ranked seventh in the world and we were hoping to punch above our weight and we haven't done that. It's pleasing to get the last result but overall we are disappointed."

On what has affected their performance: "Maybe the big stage got to us a little bit. The overriding thing is we just didn't play 70 minutes of good hockey. There were always patches in our rhythm, we let in soft goals and our composure wasn't there at times and that failed us. I've really enjoyed coming up against the best players in the world. The crowds have been fantastic but sometimes we've felt overawed."

Stephen JENNESS (NZL)

On the match: "We haven't had the greatest tournament. We were playing for a bit of pride today. It meant a lot for us to win and for us to finish on a high. I think we just wanted it a bit more today."

On New Zealand's whole tournament: "We haven't played the way we would like in this tournament. I think it's been a bit disappointing playing for 9th-10th. We worked really hard this year. To finish well in the last couple of games is pleasing. The experience is a lot better."

On the team's future: "I guess after this there might be a few retirements and the new lot of players coming in will start building towards the next Olympics."

Phillip BURROWS (NZL)

On the match: "It was good to win. It does mean a lot because it's our last performance as a team together. Probably a few guys will be leaving us. Not sure but there may be a few retirements after that game. We wanted to end on a good performance. We didn't want to lay down and take a beating.

On New Zealand's tournament: "We didn't do so well at the beginning of the tournament but we finished off pretty strongly. Inconsistent. We just came together at the wrong time, at the latter end of the tournament. It's a shame but that's sport. Someone's got to finish 9th or 10th."

On the future: "I will be around for another few years yet, definitely in the coming years. I will be around as long as my body is fit and healthy."

On his medal predictions: "Australia (are the favourites). A good all-round team, attacking mentality and aggressive, fast and strong. I think Netherlands is going to beat GB in the other one. It's going to be a Netherlands-Aussie final and Aussie will win the gold."