India to Face Argentina for Bronze; Germany Set for Title Clash with Spain
Chennai |Germany delivered a masterclass in structure, precision and modern hockey as they overpowered a helpless Indian side 5–1 in the second semi-final of the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025 on Sunday. The seven-time champions looked every bit the formidable force they are known to be, dismantling India in all departments at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.
With this emphatic win, Germany cruised into the final, where they will chase their eighth World Cup crown against Spain, who earlier edged Argentina 2–1 in a dramatic finish. India, meanwhile, will compete for bronze against Argentina—an opportunity to avoid returning home empty-handed for the third consecutive edition.
India’s Attack Blunt, Defence Disoriented
India’s forward line—featuring Arshdeep Singh, Dilraj Singh and Saurabh Anand Kushwaha—failed to make any impact, while the defensive unit led by captain Rohit, Shardanand Tiwari and Anmol Ekka looked completely overwhelmed by Germany’s relentless offensive pressure.
Germany imposed their structure early, denying India the space and freedom required to execute their trademark flair. The Indian side, which needed a smart and adaptive strategy, appeared short of ideas and failed to match Germany’s clinical discipline.
The scoreline reflected the contest:
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Germany goals: Lukas Kosel (2), Titus Wex, Jonas von Gersem, Ben Haschbach
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India goal: Anmol Ekka (PC)
Poor Strategy Execution Costs India Dearly
India’s junior team coach and former Olympic medal-winning goalkeeper PR Sreejesh admitted that the team faltered in executing their plans.
“We couldn’t play our natural game. We created chances but failed to convert. Germany punished every mistake. We simply did not play well,” Sreejesh said after the match.
Sreejesh, overseeing his first major tournament as head coach of the junior side, now faces the challenge of rebuilding the squad’s mental resilience.
India had suffered semi-final exits in the 2021 Bhubaneswar and 2023 Kuala Lumpur editions, finishing fourth in both. The bronze-medal match against Argentina is now a chance to break this unwanted pattern.
How Germany Took Control
Germany capitalised on India’s defensive lapses, beginning with a penalty stroke in the 15th minute after the ball struck Ankit Pal on the goal line. Lukas Kosel converted to open the scoring.
Within a minute, Titus Wex made it 2–0 with a sharp finish past goalkeeper Princedeep Singh. Captain Ben Haschbach then earned Germany a second penalty corner in the 29th minute, allowing Kosel to net his second goal.
India’s midfield struggled throughout. Sunil Benoor repeatedly lost possession and failed to build momentum. Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh and Priyavrat Talem attempted to drive the ball forward, but Germany’s defenders Christian Frenz and Paul Glender shut down every corridor.
Jonas von Gersem extended the tally to 4–0 in the 40th minute, and captain Haschbach added another nine minutes later. India’s only moment of relief came when drag-flicker Anmol Ekka converted the team’s second penalty corner in the 58th minute.
Spain Enter Final After Lucky Break
In the first semi-final, Spain edged Argentina 2–1 in a match where luck played its part. Albert Serrahima’s deflection goal in the 56th minute—confirmed after a video referral—proved decisive. Earlier, Mario Mina had put Spain ahead before Juan Fernandez equalised for Argentina.
A late penalty-corner award to Argentina in the dying seconds was overturned after a Spanish referral, sealing Spain’s place in their maiden final.
Netherlands, Belgium Advance in Classification Matches
In placement matches, the Netherlands defeated New Zealand 6–3, led by a brilliant hat-trick from captain Casper van der Veen. They will now face Belgium for the 5th-place contest.
Belgium battled back twice from behind before Hugo Labouschere’s late penalty-corner strike sealed a 3–2 win over France.
India’s Last Chance for Redemption
India now turn their focus to Argentina in the bronze-medal match on Wednesday. With the home crowd eager for a podium finish, the task ahead is simple but demanding:
avoid repeating the mistakes made against Germany and reclaim their identity on the field.
A medal may not erase the pain of another semi-final heartbreak, but it could save India’s campaign from ending in disappointment once again.
