BUKIT JALIL: France played fast and furious hockey for 30 minutes to become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Junior World Cup (JWC) on maximum points.
Playing in Group B, France edged a fighting South Africa 5-4 in a thrilling first half at the National Hockey Stadium here on Friday.
In earlier matches, the junior Les Bleus defeated Germany 2-0 and Egypt 3-1.
The scorching morning encounter witnessed a total of nine goals within the first 30 minutes before the half-time hooter.
But the third quarter fizzled out with both teams playing cautiously.
France coach Matthias Dierckens said the scoring rate was so fast that he did not get to watch some of the goals after taking his eyes off the match for a few seconds.
"This was the most exhausting game for myself and the players due to the early surge of nine goals. After the break, fatigue set in, and the match slowed down, but we maintained our lead to progress," said Dierckens.
"We came here to finish top two in the group, and after beating Germany we went for the top position and secured it," said Dierckens.
South African coach Guy Elliott looked dejected, as they went looking for a three-goal margin win, and he did not expect the match to end inside 30 minutes.
"In South Africa, we don't have the opportunity for many quality matches during the junior years as traveling is quite expensive.
"It's not like in Europe where one can easily cross borders to play matches or compete in leagues. This made all the difference today," said Elliott.
The French goals were scored by Jules Verrier (first minute), Stanislas Branicki (fourth), Gaspard Denis (15th), Mathis Clement (22nd), Louis Haertelmeyer (27th).
Hans Neethling (14th), Caleb Oliphant (15th) and Cameron le Forestier (21st, 25th) scored for South Africa.