France utterly outplayed China in a masterful 10-0 win to lead
the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Championship
Division I Group A action in Qiqihar on Thursday.
The French versatility was shown as six different players
slotted the puck home in the first third forcing China onto the
defensive, cutting off all potential attacks.
This harsh treatment continued throughout the second with France
going nine up thanks to Francois Rozenthal's effort in the closing
minutes of the period.
China sought an unlikely fight-back but the French defense held
firm even when China had a two-man advantage on the break. Utter
humiliation came from a final goal from France in the third, with
defender Baptiste Amar making it 10-0.
This marks China's fourth straight defeat, having conceded 36
goals to five scored. With only one game left, China is sure to be
relegated even they win against final opponents the
Netherlands.
"We studied China's games before this match, so we knew their
game plan and had appropriate tactics," France head coach Dave
Henderson revealed.
"We hit them hard from the outset which worked well since we
scored goals in the first period. China was forced to fortify and
were confused by our ferocious onslaught."
"The next game against Kazakhstan is decisive for both of us. We
must defeat them to come a step closer to the World Championships,"
added Henderson.
China's head coach Xiang Shuqing admitted France was a much
better team. "France has better strength, better speed and better
skill, so the defeat did not come as a surprised. We prioritized
defense over attack but we did not build it well and were broken
down right away. This spelt out catastrophe for the team," said
Xiang.
In the day's other two games, Poland stunned Kazakhstan 5-2,
while unfavored Netherlands edged past Estonia 4-3 in three to
ensure they stayed up in Division I.
The winner of the France-Kazakhstan game in the final round will
qualify for the World Championships in Moscow.
(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2007)