Pinner keeps in the picture
GOALKEEPER George Pinner cartwheeled in delight as England overcame New Zealand to advance to tomorrow’s Hockey World Cup quarter-finals.
Pinner proved unbeatable between the posts as debut World Cup goals from Will Calnan and Luke Taylor set up a meeting with Argentina, the Olympic champions.
“I haven’t done that since I was about 11 years old and it didn’t go too well the last time I did it,” said Pinner of his final hooter theatrics.
“It was a bit of emotion. It’s been an interesting tournament but we’ve grown into it and built on our wins.”
England may not become a worldbeating team here but their mix of fearless youth and wise old heads is beginning to bear fruit.
In a brilliant defensive display, coach Danny Kerry’s game plan shut down New Zealand’s dangerous attackers.
England’s 25th-minute opener was perfectly crafted.
Liam Sanford delivered an aerial pass from halfway to Phil Roper, whose scooped pass left Calnan to volley home from one yard. Liam Ansell’s shot on the turn then went inches wide before Pinner had to twice use his pads to deny New Zealand shots.
The Kiwis accrued 11 shots to England’s nine, but Pinner never looked in too much danger.
England’s second came via their fourth penalty corner as a rebound off the post fell to Taylor, who rifled home decisively.
“To keep a clean sheet is b **** y hard so this was a bit of personal satisfaction,” said Pinner.
Calnan, a 22-year-old Hampstead & Westminster forward, said the game “went by in a blur” but he looked far from overawed.
“I’ve been trying to get that poacher-esque finish to my game and it’s great to get my first,” he said.
“I don’t feel young and we are such a strong unit that before games it doesn’t feel like I’m sticking out. I feel really comfortable.”
France last night beat China 1-0 to set up a quarter-final with Australia, the double world champions.