Hockey World Cup: Germany outplay France 5-1 to seal berth in quarterfinals

BHUBANESWAR: Germany qualified for the quarterfinals of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Hockey World Cup beating France 5-1 in a Crossover Stage match at the Kalinga Stadium here on Monday.

Germany, who had finished second behind Belgium in Pool B on goal difference after both teams had finished with seven points from two wins and a draw, scored just before the end of the first quarter and then added three goals in the second period as they led 4-0 at half-time. The first two goals came off two faulty defensive traps by the French.

After a goalless third quarter, Germany scored one more goal before absorbing some strong pressure from France during which they earned seven penalty corners and also scored a consolation goal.

Marco Miltkau (14th min), Niklas Wellen (18th min), Mats Grambusch (23rd min), Moritz Trompertz (24th in) and Gonzalo Pellliat (59th min) scored for Germany in the match while Francois Goyat scored the lone consolation goal for France in the 57th minute.

Germany will now take on European rivals England in the last-eight stage encounter.

Germany had a brilliant first half as they controlled the game, attacked in numbers and defended superbly to overwhelm France.

With France coming into the Crossovers after holding Argentina 5-5 in their last league match and spearheaded by the ever-dangerous Victor Charlet, the top scorer with six goals, Germany had to be on their toes and not allow the French any opportunities and they did just that.

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