Chennai- Last edition's silver medallist France continued their unbeaten run, eking out a narrow 3-2 win over a fighting Bangladesh to directly qualify for the quarterfinals of the FIH Men's Junior World Cup with an all-win record here on Tuesday.

France, who had defeated Korea 11-1 and Australia 8-3, topped Pool F with maximum nine points from three matches.

The ever-improving Frenchmen were a treat to watch as they controlled the proceedings against Bangladesh for most part of the match.

France got their first scoring chance in the second minute from a penalty corner but star drag-flicker Amirul Islam made a fine goal line save.

France kept up the pressure and secured two more short corners soon, the second of which resulted in a penalty stroke and Tom Gaillard made no mistake from the spot in the seventh minute.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Bangladesh secured a penalty corner but this time Amirul fell short as his powerful flick was brilliantly saved by French goalkeeper Antoine Robert.

Bangladesh, however, drew level in the 28th minute through their first field goal of the tournament by Md Abdullah as both the teams went into half-time locked at 1-1.

MENAFN02122025000215011059ID1110427467