France rebound to thump PR China
France bounced back from their 7-1 defeat to Japan a day earlier by pouring it on late against China, who had the better moments early on.
But the Chinese failed to capitalise, allowing the French a window of opportunity. Margot Huot-Marchand broke the deadlock on 38 minutes and two minutes into the third period, Julia Mesplede doubled France’s lead.
Emma Nonnenmacher scored a third after 49 minutes that brought China’s head down. China pulled one back through Wang Jiaxin five minutes afterward but Lea Villiot poured salt in their wounds five minutes to the end of regulation by reestablishing a three-goal advantage.
France head coach Gregory Tarle said Thursday’s lopsided loss was unexpected but praised his team for staying on the heels of Japan going into Sunday’s finale versus Poland.
“We didn’t make a bad game but I think Japan played very well with the puck and made good passes and they are very good in front of the net and score goals,” Tarle said.
“For sure seven goals, it’s a big difference but we had to be ready for the next game and we have made that against China.
“It depends also what’s happening in the other group but yes, we have to score goals tomorrow. It’s easy to know what we have to do. We have to make a good start. We have to play with our plan.
“I think we have good skills players to score goals and we will be ready for tomorrow.”
