India Falls Short Against Germany in FIH Men’s Junior World Cup Semifinal
India's Journey Ends in Semifinal
India's aspiration to reclaim the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup after a nine-year gap was dashed as they faced a 1-5 defeat against the reigning champions, Germany, in the semifinal held on Sunday.
The last time India lifted the Junior World Cup was in 2016 in Lucknow.
Germany showcased their dominance with goals from Lukas Kossel (14th, 30th minutes), Titus Wex (15th), Jonas von Gersum (40th), and Ben Hasbach (49th).
India managed to score once in the 51st minute, thanks to a penalty corner conversion by Anmol Ekka.
Looking ahead, India will compete against Argentina for the bronze medal on Wednesday, while Germany is set to face Spain in the final.
Earlier, Spain secured their place in the final by defeating Argentina 2-1 in the first semifinal.
The match began positively for India, but as time progressed, Germany took control.
Germany had the first opportunity to score in the eighth minute, but goalkeeper Princedeep Singh was quick to deny Ben Hasbach’s attempt.
As the match unfolded, Germany gained confidence and earned their first penalty corner in the 13th minute.
A penalty stroke was awarded to Germany when a flick from the penalty corner struck an Indian defender. Kossel converted the opportunity without hesitation.
Germany extended their lead at the end of the first quarter when Wex deflected a cross from Kossel.
Just before halftime, Germany secured another penalty corner, and Kossel scored again, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead.
India had a chance to score shortly after the break, but Sourabh Anand Kushwaha missed an open goal.
Germany continued to dominate, while India struggled to find their rhythm.
Despite earning back-to-back penalty corners in the 36th minute, Germany failed to convert.
Their persistence paid off in the 40th minute when Jonas von Gersum deflected a high ball into the net.
Germany maintained pressure on the Indian defense, earning another penalty corner in the 42nd minute, which India defended well.
The Germans increased their lead to 5-0 in the 49th minute, with Hasbach scoring after a one-on-one situation.
With little time left, India earned two penalty corners in the 51st minute, and Anmol found the net with a clever variation.
Although India pressed for more goals, the match had already slipped away.