Bhubaneswar, Jan. 13 -- Australia proved why they are one of the favourites to win the title of the ongoing FIH Odisha Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 as they put up a dominating display to pummel a hapless France 8-0 in a lop-sided Pool A match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The Australians started the match aggressively by exerting huge pressure on France. They earned their first penalty corner in the eighth minute, but failed to capitalise. However, Craig Tom opened the account for them with a fierce field goal in as early as the ninth minute of the match.

They created two back-to-back penalty corner chances in the 12th minute of the match, but failed to convert. They finished the first quarter with 1-0 lead in their fa...