New Delhi: France came to the Junior Hockey World Cup here hoping to finish among the top six, while defending champions Germany said retaining the title wasn't their “main aim“ at the event.
On Sunday, when the technically superior Germans take on the spirited French, it is expected to be an unsual yet entertaining final.
The two teams have nothing in common. The Germans are rock solid in defence, play with zen like discipline and are considered the most technically superior side in world hockey .
The French, in contrast, have never made it to the top, at either the junior or the senior level. Playing big tournaments is a novelty for them, expectations are low and they depend more on flair and the day's form than tactical or techincal aspects. In this tournament though, they have won many hearts with sheer spirit, their ability to bounce back from tough situations and above all playing exciting hockey.
Meanwhile Holland will clash with Malaysia in the bronze medal playoff.
