First tournament win for France, but Russia face relegation

Russia v France 2-4 (1-2)

Throughout the Unibet Eurohockey Championships, every game matters. Even though both Russia and France finished last in their groups, a win for either side would give them a chance to survive relegation to the EuroHockey Nations Trophy.

After a tight opening with both countries having spells of possession, France had the first real chance of the game. Simon Martin Brisac flicked a high ball over the top of the Russian crossbar in the seventh minute of the match.

In the 14th minute of the first quarter, Russia was rewarded with the first penalty corner in the match: the result, a first goal in this cagey affair. Captain Nikolay Yankun stepped up and slotted the ball high into the right-hand side of France’s net.

Suddenly, the game came to life, with France’s Jean-Laurent Kieffer chipping the ball over Marat Gafarov. However, the goal was not awarded, as the whistle agonisingly blew to end the first quarter just before the ball crossed the line.

As pressure started to grow on the Russian defence, their captain and goal scorer received a green card. The French exploited 10-man Russia, when Victor Charlet (20’) levelled the score with a penalty corner that went through Gafarov’s legs.

France immediately went ahead after fine play on the right flank by Kieffer to set up Charles Masson (23’), whose fierce shot found the bottom left hand corner of the backboard.

The next goal in this match was crucial and the French extended their lead early in the third quarter, leaving the Russians with a mountain to climb. Alexis Fourcroy (33’) deflected the ball past a despairing Gafarov.

The Russians kept battling and nearly pulled goals back through Yankun but the captain could not connect cleanly with a reverse upright shot. Seconds later a Russian penalty corner was saved by Edgar Reynaud.

The Russian task was made even harder when Alexander Palyanitsa was shown a five minute yellow card for a vicious stick tackle, which occurred just before the final quarter.

At the beginning of the final quarter, the French could have ended the game after a quick restart from the halfway line but were denied by Gafarov, leaving the Russians with a small chance of a comeback.

However, moments later, the French secured the victory, when Charlet (49’) doubled his goal tally, scoring the goal of the match, after firing a powerful drag flick into the top right hand corner.

The Russians scored a late consolation goal through a clever deflection from Mikhail Proskuriakov (‘58’).

The final score line was 4-2, meaning Russia are relegated, while France have a fighting chance of surviving but must beat Spain in their final match.

Speaking after the match, Charlet said: “We are very happy to win. It was a tough game against a strong and physical team.

He also emphasised the importance of winning their final match in the Championships. “It’s very important for France to stay in the top division and for the future of French hockey.”

The result means that Russia are relegated but the coach, Mikhail Bukatin remains upbeat. “We have learnt a lot from great teams like Holland and England. Our technical skills could be better and we need to use our chances.”