AUCKLAND, Feb 3: Frederic Soyez scored five goals as France rebounded from an opening loss to Ireland to beat the United States 7-4 in a men’s field hockey Olympic qualifying tournament Sunday.

Soyez kept alive France’s slim hopes of winning the six-nation tournament, from which only the winner will qualify for August’s Beijing Olympics.

The US led with two early goals but Soyez hit back with a goal from a penalty corner in the 22nd minute and a field goal one minute later to leave the teams tied 2-2 at halftime.

The US led for the third time with an Andy Sheridan goal but France came home strongly, with goals to Gerome Branquart, Soyez and captain Antoine Gouedard Comte.

Meanwhile Mati Vila and Lucas Vila each scored two goals as tournament favourites Argentina beat Trinidad and Tobago 7-1 in its second-round match.

New Zealand beat Ireland 3-1 Sunday in a crucial match which could well decide which of those teams opposes Argentina in the tournament final on Feb 10.—AP