24-Nov-2021 0
France caused a gigantic upset on the opening day of the Junior Men Hockey World Cup, scripting a sensational 5-4 triumph over hosts and reigning champions India in their Pool B match at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar today. Belgium, Germany, Poland and Malaysia also posted wins in four other pool league matches of the day.
France captain Timothee Clement was the main architect of their victory over title holders, scoring three goals. Clément and Benjamin Marque established a 2-0 lead inside the opening seven minutes, with India restoring parity through Uttam Singh and Sanjay before the end of a pulsating first quarter.
Penalty corner goals either side of half time earned Clément a hat-trick and took the score to 4-2 before he produced a stunning stick save on his own goal-line from an India penalty corner. A composed finish by Corentin Sellier moved France closer to victory with 12 minutes to go before a second goal by Sanjay and third strikes of the match set up a dramatic finish. However, France held on to secure a famous win over India on home soil, giving coach Aymeric Bergamo a dream start to the World Cup campaign.
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