KUALA LUMPUR: France played exceptionally to defeat Spain 3-1 to qualify for their second Junior World Cup (JWC) final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
France, who lost to Germany 5-2 in the 2013 final in New Delhi, will face six-time champions Germany in the final on Saturday.
Germany out played two-time champions India 4-1 in the semi-finals.
In a group match earlier, Les Bleus defeated Germany 2-0.
France went on the offensive from the first whistle, and they took the lead from their first penalty corner in the second minute.
Brieuc Delemazure's low flick from the top of the semi-circle hit the pads of goalkeeper Jan Capellades before sailing into goal.
Spain were down to 10 men in the 12th minute when defender Jules Verriers stick hit a France player's head, and Les Bleus were awarded a penalty corner, but they failed to increase their lead.
The Red Sticks equalised off a penalty corner through Aleix Bozal in the 15th minute.
But France fought back to regain the lead through Stanislas Branicki via a goalmouth melee in the 33rd minute.
And nine minutes later, they increased their lead through Louis Haertelmeyer who slammed the ball home with a reverse stick hit.
Spain played power play in the last three minutes by removing keeper Capellades.
France coach Matthias Dierckens said they had a slow start, but their players gradually got their momentum in the match.
Spain coach Oriol Puig Torras said it was the worst match that they played in the tournament.
"It was a bad day for us, and we were without a player for 10 minutes for receiving a yellow card. It affected our game.
"France played a physical game and they played well to beat us," said Torras.