England blank NZ, set up last 8 with Argentina

 Bhubaneswar: A dominant England sailed past New Zealand 2-0 in the first cross-over match to book their place in the quarterfinals of the men's hockey World Cup here on Monday. 

England scored through Will Calnan's (25th minute) field strike and penalty corner conversion by Luke Taylor (44th) to register the comfortable win. 

England will face Olympic champions Argentina in the first quarterfinal on Wednesday. World No. 7 England were by far the better side against New Zealand in the opening two quarters, creating more goal scoring chances than their ninth ranked opponents. 

England had the first scoring chance in the fifth when they earned their first penalty corner but they failed to utilise the opportunity. After a barren and eventless first quarter, England drew first blood in the 25th minute when Will Calnan deflected in a high ball from skipper Phil Roper from the left flank.  

Two minutes later, a Liam Ansell strike from close range went just went inches off the target as England wasted a golden opportunity. 

The Black Sticks tried to forge a comeback towards the end of the second quarter and in the 28th minute a Nick Ross’ strike from top of the stick was padded away by England goalkeeper George Pinner.  

Seconds later, England were awarded a penalty corner but they failed to stop the push and wasted the chance to go into the breather a goal down.