Bangladesh go down fighting against France

The Bangladesh U-21 hockey team put up another brave performance in the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup before going down to a fighting 3-2 defeat against reigning runners-up France in their third and final Pool F match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.

Taking inspiration from their brilliant come-from-behind 3-3 draw against South Korea and a 5-3 loss to former champions Australia in the previous matches, the men in red and green gave the two-time runners-up a real run for their money. France, who came into the match on the back of an 11-1 win over Korea and an 8-3 victory over Australia, were made to work hard by Siegfried Aikman's charges.

France took the lead in the seventh minute, with Tom Gaillard converting a penalty stroke, before Mohammad Abdullah brought Bangladesh back into the game in the 28th minute through open play.

The French, however, reestablished their supremacy by striking twice within six minutes in the third quarter, courtesy of field goals from Gabin Lorrazuri and James Liddiard.

Penalty corner specialist Amirul Islam reduced the margin in the 55th minute by converting the team's third penalty corner. Bangladesh continued to push forward in the remaining minutes and penetrated the French circle multiple times, but ultimately fell short despite their spirited effort.

Assistant coach Ashiquzzaman said Bangladesh attempted to hit on the counter after keeping their defence compact, but the players also wasted a few goal-scoring chances.

"The margin could have been different had the boys capitalised on the chances they created. A penalty stroke awarded to Bangladesh went in favour of France after a long review. The boys also entered the French circle in the last five minutes but couldn't find the equaliser, even though they never gave up until the final whistle," said Ashiquzzaman.

Bangladesh will now play in the 17th–24th classification round after all matches across the six groups are completed.