Hockey World Cup 2018: England clinical against NZ, France edges out China

England registered a 2-0 win over New Zealand in the first crossover match of the Hockey World Cup 2018 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, while France managed to beat China 1-0 to enter the quarterfinals.

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In the first crossover match of the Hockey World Cup 2018, England dominated possession from the get go and despite resistance from the New Zealand defence, opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Will Calnan's finish from close range. (Getty Images)

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Mark Taylor doubled the lead from a penalty corner in the 44th minute, as he smashed a rebound off New Zealand goalkeeper Richard Joyce to make it 2-0 for the 2014 World Cup semifinalist. (Getty Images)

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Danny Kerry's men will face Olympic champion Argetina in the quarterfinal on Wednesday, December 12. (Getty Images)

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France started the match against World Cup debutant China on the offensive note by winning four penalty corners in the 2nd minute. But China's runners managed to clear the danger on all the occasions. (Getty Images) ▲

China defended stoutly for large parts of the game, especially Wang Caiyu making a string of excellent saves. However, France managed to get past the defence in the 36th minute when Timothee Clement deflected a reverse hit from Maximilien Branicki into the net. (Getty Images)

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The solitary goal was enough for the World No. 20 to reach quarterfinals. It will face two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, December 12. (Getty Images)

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