| # | Info | Date | Teams | Score | Status | Match Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 20th, 2012 | ||||||
| 8 | Pool A | 3:30pm |
|
3 - 2 (1 - 1) | Final | |
Russia 3, France 2
After trailing the entire game, Russia had the last laugh today against France, earning a 3-2 win in a come-from-behind victory. It was the first game of the tournament between two closely ranked teams and it showed during game action as the squads were pitted in a see-saw battle.
France was the first team on the board 20 minutes into the game. Elise Preney scored after the initial penalty corner effort was blocked. Preney scooped up the rebound and popped in the 1-0 goal. Russia responded when Kristina Mozgovaya scored with a reverse goal late in the half.
Gwenaelle Dutel restored the French lead with a hard shot from the top of the circle to make it a 2-1 affair three minutes into the second half. Once, again Russia had the answer when Ksenia Shamina powered in a goal after the ball stayed in the Russian circle after a penalty corner.
Ultimately, the decision came down to the best-executed play of the game when Sveltana Grigorieva fed in a pass from the mid field to Mozgovaya who stretched to deflect the ball in for the 3-2 goal.
The three points are the first for Russia at the Athlon Car Least FIH Road to London Tournament. France now moves to the bottom of the standings along with winless Mexico. Meanwhile, Russia sits in fourth place with its three points. All teams have the day off tomorrow before Russia takes on the Mexicans on Thursday. France will meet host Belgium next.