Viktor Lockwood stepped up to score two penalty corners to propel them to their first win, getting one over Wales and giving them a shot at the semi-final spots in men’s Pool B.

He took on the duties in place of the unavailable Victor Charlet who missed out on the competition through injury. He fired into the backboard in the 33rd minute and then made sure of the win when he scored a similar effort with three minutes remaining.

In a very tight battle, both goalkeepers were in strong form with Arthur Thieffry and Toby Reynolds-Cottterill saving well.

For France, it was an important victory against a side who had beaten them three times recently.

Simon Martin-Brisac said it was a vital result for the team’s psychology: “That was a really important win for us and a bit of revenge. Our last three games in competition against them we lost so this was a very good for us. 

“The first 10 minutes were very tough for us but then we defended really well and the victory was logical because we had the best opportunities. It is a relief because it’s like a “chat noir”. 

It also keeps alive those final four chances: “We have a quarter-final against Germany; we know it will be tough against the world champions but you never know in sport. We will do our best in front of thousands of people! But, right now, I am just thinking about the three points!”

Men’s Pool B: France 2 (V Lockwood 2) Wales 0