Jr World Cup hockey: France stun Belgium to enter semis

Jean-Laurent Kierffer scored a brace as France stunned European champions Belgium 5-4 in a nail-biting encounter to enter the semi-finals of the ongoing Hero Junior Men's Hockey World Cup in Delhi on Thursday.

In another quarter-final, The Netherlands were also made to work hard for a 3-2 win over New Zealand.

In the semi-finals, the Netherlands will face holders Germany, who beat Australia 4-3 in an evening match, while France will be up against Malaysia, who beat Korea 2-1, after the teams were locked 1-1 at half-time.

France scored through Victor Charlet (15th minute), Hugo Genestet (40th), Kierffer (48th, 65th) and Theophile Ponthieu (58th) to register a hard-earned victory.

Belgium's first goal came from an own goal in 29th minute, while Maxime Plennevaux (37th, 47th) and Dorian Thiery (42nd) were the other goal-getters.

Earlier, Thierry Brinkman (28th, 39th minute) scored from field goals, and Tom Hiebendaal converted a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute for the Netherlands.

The Black Sticks scored through Nicholas Woods, who converted a penalty-corner in the 38th minute, and Benedict van Woerkom (60th) from a field goal, but it was not enough to earn them a place in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, in the play-off matches for 13 to 16 places, England beat Egypt 6-1 (HT 1-0), Spain beat Canada 3-2 (HT 2-1) and Pakistan bt South Africa 4-0 (HT 1-0).

Image: French players celebrate a goal

Photograph: Hockey India