France seals a draw with Argentina by 3-3
France took another significant step towards the Olympic Qualifiers with another 3-3 draw in the second game of the two-match series at the National Sports Centre in Paris. Following a 2-2 draw in the first game, the level score in the final game were a
huge blow for the host team.
It was a fine chilly day with hot sun when both the teams landed on the field to contest in the final competition. The two teams started the game quite maturely and cautiously. With 14 minutes into the first half of play, Tom Genestet scored the first goal
of the day and put France ahead in the way to lead.
After five minutes, Bergner Ignacio in a counter-offence scored a goal and had it all even at 1-1. The strikers from the visiting team started aggressive style game and notched three points within a short span of 12 minutes.
In the later time, Lucas Cammareri nailed a goal from the field and established their dominance in the game. Juan Lopez, the other hockey pro of Argentina, expanded the lead of up to two goals, 3-1. However, the visiting side was not ready to give up. In
a counter strike, Jean- Baptiste Pauchet scored a point through a flicking drive and reduced the lead down to two goals. The visiting side was trailing by a single point, 3-2, after the first half of play.
Both sides displayed defensive game in the second half action. The two teams failed to create more of a chance to break in the defence-line of the either side. Many of hits from the two sides were went wide and blocked in the last quarter of the game.
However, after a hard struggle, the French squad succeeded to obtain a short-corner in the last minute of the game. Fabien Magner managed to intercept the ball, scooped it in the goal-post, and had it all even at 3-3. As the final horn sounded, the game
and as well the series ended without any conclusion.
Francois Scheefer, the skipper of the French side, was of the opinion that the Visiting squad was more experienced that contested the series impressively. However, he stated that they demonstrated an outstanding show despite some crucial mistakes that cost
them the scores.
Coach of the French team, Scott Goodheart, was of the view that the Blue squad (France) delivered best against the top team. He hoped that the squad would make something special in August.
The men’s hockey team of Argentina is currently holding the 11th place in the world ranks, while the French side is standing at the 17th position in the world.
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