Hockeyroos stay alive

The Hockeyroos remain in the hunt at the World Cup after a comfortable 4-1 win over New Zealand in Argentina.

Despite a difficult first half, the Hockeyroos lifted their game after the break to score three unanswered goals and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

The Australians now must beat Germany in their final group game on Tuesday to book their spot in the final four of the tournament.

A draw will see the Germans advance due to a superior goal difference.

Against the Kiwis the Hockeyroos started slowly, conceding a goal inside the first five minutes.

But when Kobie McGurk equalised soon after there was only going to be one winner.

Second half goals to Ashleigh Nelson (two) and Shelly Liddelow confirmed the victory and they will now take on the Germans full of confidence.

"I think (the Germany game) is something that the team is looking forward to. We knew that it could come down to this game to make the final," Hockeyroos skipper Madonna Blyth said.

"The fact that a draw won’t help us due to the goal difference means that we will have to be a bit more attacking but our goal was to make it to the finals so this is another step in doing that."

Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray said he was pleased with the way Australia made the most of their second half opportunities.

"I think both teams definitely made plenty of opportunities and fortunately we were the team that was able to convert in the second half," he said.

"I think the first half was very open with end to end stuff and it probably took its toll on a few players and certainly by the end there were some very tired players."