Hockey World Cup 2018: Argentina vs France - 3 Talking Points

France create history at the Kalinga Stadium
France create history at the Kalinga Stadium

#2 France change gears in the second quarter

Argentina v France - FIH Men's Hockey World Cup
An inspired fifteen minutes that changed the match

Les Bleus just about managed two circle penetrations in the first quarter while the Argentinians had quite a few chances to score and it seemed only a matter of time before Peillat would fire his team ahead with a lethal drag flick.

German Orozco could not have prepared for the sudden onslaught which the French launched after the short break and the Argentinians were caught unawares as Victor Charlet and Genestet went on an inspired rampage up front.

The French managed eight circle entries in the space of fifteen minutes with seven shots on goal and came close to scoring a couple more than they actually did - such was their sudden ascendancy.

Argentina was stunned by the sudden change of gears by their opponents and went on the backfoot completely. It would be fair to say that the second quarter changed the complexion of the match as the Olympic champions managed to enter the French circle only twice and lost the plot from thereon.

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