AUCKLAND, Feb 9: New Zealand beat France 2-0 on Saturday to advance to the final against Argentina at a men’s field hockey tournament, the winners of which will qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

Argentina, which had previously qualified for Sunday’s final, lost their unbeaten record at the six-nation tournament when they were beaten 1-0 by Ireland.

Ireland, Argentina and New Zealand all finished with four wins and one loss from pool play but Argentina and New Zealand secured finals berths on superior goal difference.

Ryan Archibald and Phil Burrows scored first-half goals for New Zealand to clinch their crucial win over France.

Archibald converted a penalty shot in the 13th minute while Burrows scored with a reverse stick shot one minute later.

France competed well throughout the second half and New Zealand were unable to increase their advantage but also kept France scoreless to ensure they reached the tournament decider.

Ronan Gormley scored the only goal in Ireland’s clash with Argentina.—AP