The Indian men's hockey team, rated 13th in the world, lost 5-2 against France after winning back-to-back games in South Africa at the FIH Hockey Pro League.
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India's solitary goals came from Jarmanpreet Singh (22') and Harmanpreet Singh (57'). Whereas France's Victor Charlet (16', 59') scored twice. Victor Lockwood (35'), Charles Masson (48'), and Timothee Clement (60') each scored one.
The French seemed more structured in Saturday's play. They guarded well and ensured India didn't get a decent start. India had possession of the ball in the first quarter and attempted to get into the attacking circle. However, France's defensive system was difficult for the Indian forward line to penetrate through.
In the second quarter, Victor Charlet of France made a little error in pushing the ball past India's goalkeeper. This put India on the defensive. However, India's desired goal did not arrive until the 22nd minute. India drew 1-1 thanks to Jarmanpreet Singh. After a 1-1 tie at the end of the second quarter, France took control in the third quarter. Viktor Lockwood, supported by Gaspard Baumgarten, scored a spectacular goal during the first five minutes of the quarter. Thus, putting France back in front. He made space on the left flank with strong stickhandling and a shot that sailed clean through the Indian goalkeeper's ankles.
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India was put under a lot of pressure after the 2-1 lead. Despite numerous scoring chances created by PCs, India was unable to score. Thus, forcing the game into the final quarter, which was fiercely contested.
France caused substantial problems for India's defence in the fourth quarter, starting with a well-formed PC in the 48th minute. Sreejesh had no chance of making a leaping save since Charles Masson was on target. Harmanpreet Singh hit a penalty stroke in the 57th minute to cut India's lead to 2-3. Eventually, France wiped out India's hopes with two quick scores as India threw players forward in pursuit of a late equaliser. Victor Charlet made his second goal of the night on a penalty corner, and Timothee Clement contributed a field goal to make the score 5-2.
However, India will finish their campaign with a clash against South Africa on Sunday before coming home to encounter Spain in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022.