France beat China, to face Aus

BHUBANESWAR: The dream run of France continued on Monday after the lowest-ranked team in the hockey World Cup defeated China 1-0 in their crossover game (qualifying game for quarters) to set up a last eight clash against reigning champions Australia on Wednesday.

France, ranked world No 20, shocked Olympic champions Argentina in their last league match while debutants China had lost to world No 1 Australia 11-0 in their last pool match. Hence it looked like the crossover game would be dominated by the European team despite the two separated only by three ranking positions.

France scored in the third quarter (36th min). After a move on the left flank, Viktor Lockwood passed to Maximilien Branicki at top of the striking area and his reverse hit was deflected in by Timothee Clement.

But it proved a close match till the last minute, China tried hard to equalise. Somehow, defenders and goalkeeper Arthur Thieffry saved the day for France. In the dying moments, China forced two penalty corners, but the French defence held firm. France got six penalty corners and China three, but the keepers were effective.

“Being an underdog really helped us. Everyone was reading too much into our 20th rank, but we knew our strength. We have prepared well for the World Cup, have played against top teams like Belgium, Holland and England before coming here and our performance against them was good,” said France forward Pieter Van Straaten.

So, will there be any pressure on playing against the top team? “There was pressure playing against China, and so there will be pressure in the Australia match too. But it is part of the tournament and we are ready.”