French Hockey Coach, Scott Goodheart, quite optimistic for FIH Champions Challenge II
French Hockey Coach, Scott Goodheart, is quite optimistic about the upcoming FIH Champions Challenge II that is going to commence from July 02, 2011 in Lille, France. The national hockey coach of French team named the final line-up for the eight-nation mega
tournament.
Speaking to the media, the French coach was of the opinion that they inherited a great deal of experience in the recently-concluded Celtic Cup and Four-Nation Tournament, which were played in Cardiff and Dublin, respectively. It is vital to mention here
that the French team took Pakistan down in the event-opener by a commanding 4-2 victory.
It was a great victory for Goodheart’s outfit, as Pakistan is the winner of the Asian Games that were held in China in 2010. He further stated that a large number of experienced players have been included into the squad, which were earlier unavailable due
to their personal commitments. The availability of these experienced and talented players in the camp made his job tough to pick up the squad for the Champions Challenge II.
He was of the opinion that it would be quite exciting for France, as they would be facing some of the best squads in front of the domestic spectators. He further informed that a couple of their best hockey players have been included into the national team
for upcoming tournament.
Commenting on the recent performances, Goodheart stated, “The tournaments we have just completed in Cardiff and Dublin demonstrate how close most of these teams are in ability. There should be some very competitive hockey in Lille, and we will have to work
very hard to get good results against what we know will be very experienced and determined opposition.”
It is worth mentioning here that the trainer finalised the line-up after a detailed review of 32 players those participated in the just-concluded Four-Nation and Celtics Cup. Cesar Hauet, Hugo Genestet, Viktor Lockwood and Joost Jansen have made a comeback
into the national side after long time.
The coach is also mulling to make changes into the squad for the forthcoming event that is scheduled to be held in the last week of July in Paris. These steps are being taken in order to prepare a best squad for the upcoming 2011 European Nations Championships.
Apart from France, China, Russia and Ireland will also feature in the tournament.
In the opening round of the Champions Challenge II, the French team will face Russia, on July 02, Ireland on July 03 and Scotland on July 05. The knockout stage of the event will commence from July 07, followed by semi-finals and finals on July 09 and 10,
respectively. It is vital to mention here the French team, which is currently holding the 17th spot in the world rankings, is eyeing for a podium position in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
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