The deal is done for the Blues! The French men’s hockey/grass team all but secured qualification for the next European Nations Cup in Germany in 2023 with a 4-1 win over Ireland in Calais on Thursday evening. This strong election delighted the northern public. Big numbers to the Stade du Souvenir. It remains to beat some very weak Lithuanians on Saturday.

It was a mild Thursday evening in Calais. The match took place at sunset in the middle of the castle of Calais. This match between France (the 11th ranked team in the world) and Ireland (14th) had a short telecast of the Six Nations tournament called “Ireland’s call”, played in Marseille before this much-anticipated clash. But like the rugby players, the French hockey players dominated the Irish. They were taken to the entrance throat.

The previous day, the two favorite teams of the European Qualifying Tournament (TQE) in Hockey / Field had crushed Turkey (14-2) for France; And Lithuania (19-0!) for Ireland. Suffice to say, this France-Ireland clash is already looking like a final. The Blues final was well discussed.

Soaring start

They soon scored two goals in less than two minutes: Gaspard Baumgarten First (5). And the way Corentin Cellier (7th). After this bright start, the French would contain the Irish attacks, forcing them to quickly equalize, something they couldn’t do at half time, going 2-0 up.

The 2nd period starts the same way, doubled Etienne Taineves (31, 40), which certainly destroys competition. Even if Ireland scores Luke Madley In the 44th minute. What displeases the northern coach? Frederick B, a bit of a perfectionist. » Yes, we ask for less. We want to play a good match and finish 4-0. But that’s part of the game. »

But tricolors are never in danger. The French players won 4-1 in full harmony with the Calais crowd, securing 99% qualification for the European Cup A. before the final match against Lithuania on Saturday. A formal competition. This is the opinion of the local actor Victor Lockwood.

Convincing success

Victor Lockwood After the match, he stayed on the field for a long time to talk to his relatives. It is true that he is a country boy. » My grandparents came to watch all the matches and training sessions. Nice to see them. I have a whole family there that I don’t get to see all the time. More friends because we are an hour from Lille. There are people, you can see it. Both stands were full. It’s really fun. »

“We were able to play a good match in the in-game meeting”

Frederick B.E

Frederick B There was also a smile after this victory. » Yes, mission accomplished. Today is a big success. Via Plus. Today was a good game for us. We defended well. That was one of the goals. We raised our level of play and were able to play a great match in a high-stakes competition. I am really satisfied with it. »

The French team must now complete the work on Saturday, the last day of the TQE. It is against Lithuania, the weakest team in the group.

Results of male TQE in Calis

Day 1

• Ireland-Lithuania: 19-0
• France Turkey: 14-2

Day 2

• Turkey – Lithuania: 3-1
• France – Ireland: 4-1

Day 3 (Saturday, August 27)

• Turkey-Ireland (10 hours)
• France-Lithuania (12:15 pm)

Blue’s defeat against Scotland

At Dunkirk, Les Bleus (again playing in red…) did not have the same success in the women’s TQE. The French are 0-2 against a physically superior Scotland. However, the Blues did better than resist, especially in the first half (0-0).

But Lille Emma Pontiu’s team-mates conceded two goals in the second half and will be eliminated from the next European Cup. Les Bleus will now play against Austria on Saturday at 12:45pm to validate their ticket to the cup. B from Europe.