Hockey World Cup 2018: France holds Spain, Argentina cruises past NZ

World No. 20 France surprised European heavyweight Spain in a 1-1 draw, while Argentina put a clinical performance to beat New Zealand 3-0 in the Pool A matches of the Hockey World Cup 2018 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

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France quelled all the pre-match expectations against it by taking the lead in the 6th minute through Timothee Clement, who scored from a Victor Charlet pass. (Getty Images)

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However, the World No. 8 equalised through Alvaro Iglesias in the 48th minute. (Getty Images)

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France pushed for a winner and won a penalty stroke in the 51st minute. Quico Cortez, Spain's experienced goalkeeper of 296 caps, made a spectacular save to keep out the shot and save a point for Spain. (Getty Images)

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In the second match of the day, New Zealand started brightly but Argentina controlled the game and took the lead through Agustin Mazzilli in the 23rd minute who scored with a sublime finish into the top corner. (Getty Images)

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Lucas Vila (#12) doubled the lead for the World No. 2 in the 41st minute with another superb finish from the edge of the circle. (BISWARANJAN ROUT)

Photo: BISWARANJAN ROUT

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Lucas Martinez added further gloss to the scoreline by scoring from a penalty corner in the 55th minute to win the match with a 3-0 margin. With the win, Argentina has a foot in the quarterfinal with the other teams fighting for the cross-over spots. (Getty Images)

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