Bhubaneswar: New Zealand performed brilliantly to edge past a listless France 2-1 in a Pool A match of the Men’s Hockey World Cup here at the Kalinga Stadium, Thursday.
Kane Russell and Stephen Jenness struck for the Kiwis in the 16th and 56th minutes respectively. Victor Charlet got one back for France in the 59th minute. Stephen was adjudged man of the match for his aggressive game.
Both the teams started defensively in the first quarter. For most of the time the ball was confined to the midfield. New Zealand players tried to catch up with pace, but France were no less in the task. The first half finished barren.
New Zealand came back with an aggressive strategy in the second quarter and it yielded result immediately. Kane Russell struck a lightening hit from the left corner to score the first goal of the match in the 16th minute helping the Kiwis grab a 1-0 lead. France had also their share of luck, but they let go an easy chance in the 23rd minute. France then made regular inroads into the opposition’s D, but New Zealand defenders thwarted all attacks.
France continued with their momentum after the change of ends. They got their first penalty corner in the 38th minute, but spoiled the opportunity. New Zealand also made a couple of forays into the opposition’s D, but their efforts were foiled by smart France defenders. The third quarter too was a barren affair.
The fourth quarter was crucial. France pressed hard for the equaliser and, in the process earned, their first penalty corner in the 51st minute. But skipper Victor Charlet’s effort was thwarted brilliantly by the opposition custodian. Kiwis responded intensely and Stephen Jenness doubled their lead in the 56th minute. France was desperate during the dying hours. They earned a penalty corner in the 59th minute and Victor cleared it to reduce the margin to 1-2. But this was all they could do.
