Olympics champions Argentina were left stunned after France won 5-3 in a Pool-A match on Thursday.
Argentina, however, is through the quarterfinals as the top the chart with six points, while France ( 4 points) with this win has managed to qualify for the cross-overs. Along with France, New Zealand ( 4 points) will also play cross-over. Spain (3 points) is eliminated from the world cup, as they stand four.
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As per the format of the tournament, the top four teams from four pools will directly qualify for the quarterfinals while the second and third-placed sides will play cross-over matches against teams of other pools for the remaining four last eight berths.
Argentina won two penalty corners but of no use. France scored four field goals with captain Hugo Genestet opening the score-line for his side in the 18th minute of the match. The other field scores were by Aristide Coisne (26th), Gaspard Baumgarten (30th) and Francois Goyet (54th). Skipper Victor Charlet’s (23rd) took a penalty corner strike.
In the 28th minute, Lucas Martinez scored the first goal for Argentina. followed by two more penalty corners strikes by Gonzalo Peillat (44th, 48th).
In Pool-B matches on Friday, Australia will lock horns with China at 5 p.m. and Ireland will face England at 7 p.m.