Malaysia defeated Chile 3-2 in the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup on Monday afternoon at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela. In another match, the Netherlands defeated New Zealand 4-0 at the same location. Later that evening, France defeated South Africa 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The match between Argentina and Australia is expected to begin soon. France is now third in their pool with three points, behind table-toppers Australia and Argentina, due to one loss and a lower goal difference. South Africa, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the points table with zero points and two losses in two games.
At the beginning of the first quarter, France had better ball control, but it didn’t lead to any circle penetrations. Seven minutes into the match, France won a penalty stroke, and Victor Charlet converted it to give France a 1-0 lead.
Seven minutes later, captain Connor Beuchamp’s fierce strike could not be stopped by the French goalkeeper after South Africa won a penalty corner. It was honors even at the conclusion of the first quarter. France won a penalty corner in the 21st minute, but Goyet couldn’t do much with it. Neither team broke into the opposing team’s half because their midfielders appeared content to add to their defense.
At the end of the first half and second quarter, the score was 1-1. In the third quarter, both teams pressed for a goal in an effort to win. South Africa missed opportunities, but it didn’t use them. In fact, both teams won penalty corners in this quarter but were unable to convert them.
With 15 minutes remaining in the third quarter, the score was 1-1. In the final quarter, South Africa appeared more enthusiastic and proactive. They ran into a wall each time they attempted to breach the French defenses. France won a penalty corner in the 56th minute, and Charlet smashed the ball into the bottom left corner to give his team the lead with four minutes left.
France held on to their advantage in the final minutes and won the game, albeit by a slim margin of 2-1. After scoring twice, Charlet won the title of “Player of the Match.” ANI)