Bhubaneswar : , France became the first team to secure a place in the quarter-finals by beating Poland 7-1 in a Group B match.This was their second win in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2021 here in Bhubaneswar. France, which had stunned hosts and defending champions India 5-4 in their first match on Wednesday, scored three goals during the first quarter to stop Poland from playing their game.This result was recorded at the Kalinga Stadium.
Forward Corentin selliers scored a hat trick and skipper Timothee Clement scored a brace for France.Igau Antonin, Bournac Jules and Bournac Jules each scored a goal for Les blues in a dominant performance.
Within seconds of the pushback, Igau had struck the openers.Before Poles could react, Clemens made it two minutes before the end of the first minute by scoring their first penalty corner.
In the 11th minute, Sellier scored his first goal and France led 3-0.The Polish team managed to reduce the gap in the second quarter, but their hopes for more goals were dashed by the French who defended well.
France won the second match in Pool B, with Poland finishing second.Poland is one point away from winning against Canada.
There are three matches left in the group, with India playing Canada in today’s final match.
If India beats Canada, they will be fighting with Poland for second place in Pool behind the French.
India and Poland will meet in their final preliminary league match on Saturday (Nov 27, while France takes on Canada earlier that day.
The winner of the India-Poland match will determine the second runners up spot in Pool B.France is guaranteed a place in the quarters unless Canada wins on Thursday.In such a situation, the hosts will be eliminated and Canada and Poland will compete for the second quarter-final spot from this Pool.
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