KUALA LUMPUR: Frenchman Arthur Morcrette proves to be a formidable goalscorer, having been the top scorer in Division Two of the Under-18 European Championships in Turkey last year with an impressive 13 goals.
Today, the 18-year-old showcased his prowess by scoring the French team's first goal in the 3-1 win over Egypt in a Junior World Cup (JWC) Group B match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Morcrette's 21st-minute goal set the tone for France, followed by additional goals from Mathis Clement (25th minute) and Gaspard Denis (38th), placing them in the driver's seat in the opening JWC match.
Egypt pulled one back in the 49th minute through Ahmed Elhadi.
Morcrette said it was a dream come true to score the first goal of this year's JWC.
"It is a pleasure to begin the competition like this. I am only 18, and I am happy to play for France and score my first goal in the JWC.
"The heat during the last two quarters affected our game, but we managed to pull through for a win. I want to score as many goals in the tournament," said Morcrette, who will lead France's attack against six-time champions Germany tomorrow.
Coach Matthias Dierckens is pleased that his team overcame the nerves of playing the first match to earn three points.
"Egypt made it tough as they play a different brand of hockey. My players took time to settle down, and the first goal gave us confidence."
However, Dierckens acknowledged that his team must perform better for success in the JWC.
"Although we collected three points, we did not play our best. We did not commit enough in the physical side and were not aggressive. We made too many mistakes. My players have to play better in the next game against Germany tomorrow," said Dierckens.
In another Group B match, Germany defeated South Africa 5-3.
The Germans scored through Christian Franz (fifth), Florian Sperling (10th), Liam Holdermann (24th), captain Matteo Poljaric (41st) and Ben Hasbach (59th).
David Tshebi (24th), Jaydon Brooker (39th) and Hans Neethling (53rd) replied for South Africa.
German coach Rein van Eijk revealed that Holderman experienced chest pains during the match.
"He was fine and did not have an infection. He only played in the second quarter and did well to score a goal," said Van Eijk, adding that Holderman's condition will be monitored by the National Sports Institute medical team.
Commenting on the match, Van Eijk said he was surprised by South Africa's pressing game. "It was a hard-fought victory but a messy game. After taking a comfortable 3-1 lead, South Africa pressed and led us to conceding goals."
