New Delhi: Australia scored two second half goals to beat France 2-0 and end their pool engagements on an unbeaten note in the Hero Junior Men's Hockey World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, here Monday.
By virtue of three wins from as many games, Australia finished on top of Pool B with nine points ahead of second placed France, who have six points in their kitty. Australia will now take on the second placed team in Pool B in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while France, who have qualified for the quarterfinals for the first time since 1985, will be up against Pool A toppers.
Except for Pool standings, the match between Australia and France hardly had any significance as both the teams had already qualified for the knock-out phase ahead of today's encounter. The action was flowing back and forth pleasantly in the initial minutes of play as both the teams traded early penalty-corners but with no real danger for the goal-keepers.
William Gilmour had a chance for Australia alone in front of Edgar Reynaud in the French goal but blasted his shot wide. French goal-keeper was again in fine form as he thwarted a number of Australian attempts to help his team keep a clean slate at the halfway mark.
But Australia came out all guns blazing after the change of ends and took the lead just two minutes into the second period through a field goal from Frank Main. Australia doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Cameron Joyce converted a penalty corner with a straight forward low shot.
Meanwhile in another inconsequential Pool B match earlier in the day, Argentina scrapped past Spain 1-0 to register their first win in the tournament. Argentina's lone goal came in the second half from the sticks of Manuel Nicolas Sacchetti (46th). While Argentina will now play in the 9-12 classification match on Thursday, Spain will feature in the 13-16th play-off games.
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