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

Tyler Lovell acknowledges the cheers of the crowd
Tyler Lovell acknowledges the cheers of the crowd

#2 France can leave with their heads held high

Australia v France - FIH Men's Hockey World Cup: Quarter Final

Hugo Genestet had a great World Cup

Names like Victor Charlet, Charles Masson, and Arthur Thieffry which did not ring a bell - at least in this part of the world - are now well known in Bhubaneswar and beyond thanks to the exploits of Jeroen Delmee's side who have wowed the hockey world with a performance that has exceeded the expectations of most.

Unlike several other lower-ranked teams who prefer to sit back and crowd their defence, the French were never apprehensive about going on the offensive and did so with flair.

The Argentinians were unsettled by the aggression of the French in their final pool game, and the shock defeat may well have played on the mind of the Olympic champions ahead of their eventual quarterfinal loss to England.

With world-class players like Hugo Genestet, Victor Lockwood, and Timothee Clement in their ranks, the French may soon threaten the top sides in the world more consistently and convincingly.

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