Hockey World Cup : New Zealand beat France

New Zealand pipped France 2-1 in their opening game of the Hockey World Cup 2018 at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

After a goalless first quarter, Kane Russell scored for New Zealand in the 17th minute and as France failed to convert opportunities in the later part of the second quarter, the Black Sticks enjoyed a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Later, a long pass from midfield was well controlled by Stephen Jenness, who made no mistake in making the scoreline read 2-0 in New Zealand’s favour with just four minutes of play left.

It seemed France wouldn’t be able to open their account but Victor Charlet converted a penalty corner in the 59th minute to make the score 2-1.