New Delhi: Both teams were already through to the quarter-finals after winning their initial two matches and were playing for top of the pool and a better draw later in the competition. The mood was light and action was flowing back and forth pleasantly in the initial minutes of play. Teams traded early penalty-corners but with no real danger for the keepers.
William Gilmour had a chance for Australia alone in front of Edgar Reynaud in the French goal but blasted his shot wide. Simon Martin Brisac created a good chance with a quick free-hit and a 40m run through the Australian defense but his last pass in front of the empty net was misunderstood by his teammate. Despite missing key midfielder Hugo Genestet, France were holding their ground handsomely in front of the Oceania Champions.
Goal-keeper Edgar Reynaud was again in fine form and thwarted some hot Australian attempts. The Kookaburras put some of their best chances high and wide and the two teams were still on par 0-0 going into the break.
Australia did not waste time in second period and jumped into the lead by Frank Main in the 37th minute. France had a good reaction but could not penetrate the dense Australian defense. Play was entertaining, very intense and physical at times. Australia took advantage of a numerical advantage to force a corner and Cameron Joyce capitalized with a straight forward low shot, giving his team a small 2-goal cushion.
With time passing and little chance of altering the final result, both teams gave field time to their alternate goal-keepers and Australia walked off with the win and top of Pool B, while France were satisfied with their performance against a higher ranked team and their qualification for the quarter-final for the first time since 1985.
Speaking on the win Australia Coach Paul Gaudoin said," I believe the good performance of team is primarily depends upon the skill execution. We have young squad of players and they are focusing on following a simple strategy of gaining and passing the ball quickly. Our team has done lot of improvements in past few days which can be seen in their game. All the teams playing in the league are good and cannot be taken lightly."
