KUALA LUMPUR – The Bukit Jalil turf is all set for the battle of dark horses, as France clashes with Australia in the quarterfinals of the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup tomorrow.
Both teams, known for making their mark in the tournament with their counterattacking gameplay, have pledged to maintain their tactics to emerge triumphant against each other.
Les Bleues have been the surprising package of the tournament, finishing at the top of Group B by battling with six-time world champions Germany and African champions South Africa.
The French team qualified with ease, gaining maximum points in their group.
Head coach Matthias Dierckens attributes their progress in the tournament to their counterattacking gameplay.
“The tournament has been very challenging for us so far, but my boys have never feared facing anyone in the tournament, which has brought us to where we are now—the quarterfinals.
“Since we had a pretty bad run in last year’s EuroHockey Junior Championship, we changed our strategy from being more direct to counter attacking.
“Surprisingly, it works for our team as my boys, who have a high level of fitness and stamina, can easily adapt to it.
“We are not going to change our strategy. With players like Stanislas Branicki and Jules Verrier, I’m confident that we will defeat the Australians with ease,” Dierckens added.
Meanwhile, Australia’s head coach, Jay Stacy said that his charges will have a tough game against the French side.
However, the 55-year-old former defender who won a silver medal for Australia in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, believes his team has the quality to secure a spot in the semifinals.
“France is not an easy team to play against. They may lack game experience like us, but I really admire the way they play as a team and move around with the ball from the backline.”
“We both are very similar in terms of our gameplay, but I believe that we have better players who are faster and physically superior to them.
“It has been 26 years since we last won the title, and I believe that if we can beat France in the next round, our progress to reach the peak will be much smoother,” said Stacy.
The Kookaburras have so far scored 12 goals in the tournament and finished second in Group A with six points.
France and Australia last met in the 2013 edition, where the Australians defeated the French 2-0. – December 11, 2023