In what will be called a humiliating defeat for France, India thrashed France 6-2 in their third encounter at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Tuesday.

For India, the goals were scored by Shivendra (4th minute), Sandeep Singh (9th, 30th and 37th minute) Sunil (39th minute ) and Tushar (62nd minute)

For France, the goals were scored by Lucas Sevestre (35th minute) and Fabien Magner (57th minute).

India rode high on Sandeep’s hat-trick who scored two goals off penalty corner and one off a penalty stroke.

India outplayed France in all departments and kept the pressure high on them in most parts of the game.

Even when the French scored off a penalty corner after the half time hooter and scored another one off another penalty corner in 56th minute, Indians remained unfazed and hardly ever slowed down in their attacks.

India looked superior at their fitness with their power-charged run downs in the French quarters that kept French defense busy throughout the game. Indian forwards and midfielders did the most of psychological damage to France but many in the Indian forward line players stand guilty of poor finishing. At least on two instances each, Danish and Yuvraj failed to finish a hyper-charged move.

India went all out in the first 15 minutes in both the halves during which they scored two goals each. During this while Indians were relentless in their attacks on the French citadel. The Frenchmen looked visibly frustrated as they banged their sticks on the ground and charged the umpires on a few decisions.

SV Sunil was adjudged the Player of the Match.

India top the pool now with 9 points followed by Canada on second position with 6 points, France at third position and Poland at the fourth position with as many points but behind on goal difference.

India take on Canada tomorrow in the most awaited match at the round-robin stage.