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Junior World Cup: France quash Egypt in a sun-soaked battle | Scoop
France players in action during their opening group match against Egypt at the FIH Men's Junior World Cup today. – Pic courtesy of MHC, December 5, 2023
Sports

Junior World Cup: France quash Egypt in a sun-soaked battle

Coach Matthias Dierckens says his players were ‘not aggressive enough’, hoping they can adapt to weather soon

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
12:47 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – France’s head coach, Matthias Dierckens, was not entirely impressed with his team’s performance despite their opening group match win against Egypt at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup today. 

Matthias said that his players could have scored more goals if not for the scorching sun heat in the fourth quarter of the match. 

“It was not an easy start for us in the opening fixture, and we needed to adjust ourselves to a few things. 

“We are not used to playing against Egypt as they have a different style of hockey. 

French players are photographed celebrating a goal. Despite their win against opponent Egypt, head coach Matthias Diercken has said that he was not fully impressed with how the team performed, adding that the hot weather hindered players from scoring more goals in the fourth quarter. – Pic courtesy of MHC, December 5, 2023

“I believe that we didn’t play at our best, and we didn’t commit enough on the physical side. We were not aggressive enough and made too many technical and basic mistakes.  

“We need to improve on that if we want to go further in the tournament. 

“We were ready to score more, but the last quarter was a bit tough as we were unable to adapt to the rising sun heat, and we ended up conceding a goal. 

“If it were not for that, we could have scored more in this match. We hope to adapt ourselves to the Malaysian climate as soon as possible,” said Matthias. 

At the same time, the French junior team’s leading goal scorer, Morcrette Arthur, said that he’s happy to make his debut in the World Cup and hopes to be the top scorer in the tournament. 

“It’s a pleasure to begin the competition with a win, and I’m happy to get my goal in my debut.  

“I currently have 12 junior goals under my belt, and I can’t wait to continue my goal-scoring spree. 

“I’m grateful to coach Matthias for trusting in me and including me in the squad. I want to give my best for my team through my performances,” said the 18-year-old striker. 

Meanwhile, Egypt’s head coach, Mostafa Khalil, said that he’s proud of his players despite their defeat against their opponents and hopes his team performs better in the next match. 

France’s Timothee Clement (left) and Louis Haertelmeyer (right) congratulate each other after the squad scored another goal against Egypt. – Pic courtesy of MHC, December 5, 2023

“France is a big team, and we have seen how well they have played in the previous World Cup. They have been consistent since then. 

“Our players are still young, and most of them haven’t had a chance to play in the World Cup. I’m proud of them for putting up a good fight against a strong side,” said Mostafa. 

France defeated Egypt 3-1 in the opening game at the National Hockey Stadium today. 

In the Group B encounter, France took 21 minutes to crack open a stubborn Egypt, thanks to an Arthur Morcrette field goal. 

The other goals were scored by Mathias Clement (25th) and Gaspard Denis (38th), while Egypt’s best effort was tucked in by Ahmad Elhadi in the 49th minute. 

France will take on Germany tomorrow, while Egypt will face South Africa in their second Group B match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. – December 5, 2023

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