New Delhi, Delhi, India

New Zealand defeated France 2-1 in a tight Pool A clash to open their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory at the Kalinga Stadium on Thursday.

Advertisment

Kane Russell scored for New Zealand in the 17th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead which was fursther extended by Stephen Jenness. He powered the ball home to extend the lead 2-0 in the fourth and final quarter with a controlled long pass.

Jenness was given player of the match for his crucial contribution to New Zealand's victory.

Also Read | Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue

Advertisment

×

It seemed France wouldn't be able to open its account but in the concluding minutes, France earned a penalty corner and converted it but that was not enough, as the final score was 2-1.\

As it happened | New Zealand vs France

Advertisment

In the other match of Pool A, Olympic champions Argentina were made to dig deep to eke out a 4-3 win over Spain.

×

France, making an appearance in the Men's Hockey World Cup after 28 years, will next meet Spain on December 6.