For the second match in a row, the South African Hockey Men delivered a spirited final-quarter comeback \u2014 this time against France \u2014 but ultimately fell just short, losing 4-3 in a thrilling encounter in Kuala Lumpur.
\nHaving drawn inspiration from their heroic recovery against Wales, South Africa came into the clash full of belief and celebrated a special milestone for Matt de Sousa, who earned his 50th cap. But the mood was quickly checked when French captain Victor Charlet opened the scoring in the very first minute with a drag flick from a penalty corner.
\nSouth Africa responded superbly, with Jaydon Brooker netting his maiden senior international goal in the same venue where he starred at the Junior World Cup. Brooker showed composure beyond his years, driving the ball low into the bottom-left corner to level matters at 1-1 \u2014 a scoreline that held until half-time.
\nFrance surged ahead in the third quarter with a Charlet double, and when Etienne Esmenjaud added a fourth, it looked like the result was sealed.
\nBut South Africa, known for their fighting spirit, weren\u2019t done yet.
\nStraight from the restart, Marvin Simons marked his first senior international goal with a delicate deflection off a Matt de Sousa pass. The momentum swung further when Brooker fired home his second \u2014 another penalty corner, another cool finish \u2014 to cut the deficit to one with 90 seconds remaining.
\nWith the French rattled, South Africa pushed for the equaliser and created one final circle entry, but couldn\u2019t find the finishing touch. France held on for the win, securing their place in the semi-finals.
\nFor South Africa, the equation is now simple: Wednesday\u2019s clash against Korea is a virtual quarter-final. Only a win will keep their title hopes alive and avoid the 5th\u20138th place playoffs.<\/p>\n
Image credit FIH \/ World Sport Pics<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"