10 Dec, 2025 Germany’s 10thappearance in the final saw them winning their eighth title, when they defeated first-time finalists Spain and defended their crown at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 in Chennai on Wednesday. The 13-day event, which began on November 28 and was held in Chennai and Madurai as the two host cities, concluded with a fitting finale that was decided in a shootout. The last day of the tournament also saw two-time winners India defeating Argentina in the third-place match to finish on the podium with a bronze medal. Here’s an account of the last action from the 14thedition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup. France vs New Zealand (Full-Time Score: 4-1) After back-to-back podium finishes, France had to be content with only a 7thplace this time, which they accomplished with a convincing 4-1 win over New Zealand in Chennai. Utilizing their two penalty corners in the first quarter, France’s Gabin Lorrazuri put his team in front in the 2ndminute and the lead was doubled 11 minutes later by Victor Saint-Martin. The Black Sticks got their defence in order for the next 15 minutes, but couldn’t make use of their chances, which included their first penalty corner of the match before half-time. France’s position was made more comfortable at 3-0 in the third quarter by Tom Gaillard’s 41stminute strike. The last 15 minutes produced some near-misses for both the sides, before New Zealand produced their first goal late in the script off their star of the tournament Jonty Elmes in the 59thminute. However, the French were not done yet and used the remaining seconds to go ahead 4-1 as Gaillard scored his second goal of the game. “I think today we deserved this win. We were strong, defended very well and we scored. I am really happy for the team. It’s a good way to finish this tournament, maybe a little bit disappointed with the (overall) result,” said France captain Gaspard Denis. Belgium vs Netherlands [Full-Time Score: 3 (4) – 3 (3)] The two European giants, who missed another chance of winning their maiden Men’s Junior World Cup, entertained the crowd at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium with a thrilling encounter that went to a shootout to decide the 5th place. The game began with Belgium bossing play in the first two quarters, led by the stick of Hugo Labouchere, which gave the Belgians a 2-0 lead. The first goal came in the 18thminute off a penalty stroke and the second in the 30thminute off a penalty corner. However, the Dutch struck just before the half-time hooter through Thies Bakker to stay close at 2-1. It was then the turn of the Netherlands to dictate play in the third quarter, towards the end of which they went past Belgium to lead 3-2, as skipper Casper van der Veen and Joppe Wolbert provided the finishing touches in the 43rdand 44thminutes. Taken aback by the Dutch rally, Belgium kept searching for the equaliser as the clock ticked closer to full time. But Labouchere once again produced the goods for his team on a penalty corner in the 58thminute to complete his hat-trick; but more importantly, it took the game to a shootout at 3-3. It was then left to the goalkeeper and the five attackers on each side to out-skill each other for a win. The 1-on-1 battle was eventually decided by the two saves made by Belgium goalkeeper Alexis van Havere to foil the first two Dutch attempts taken by van der Veen and Wolbert before Kjell Plantenga put the ball in the goal. But that couldn’t prevent Belgium from taking a 3-1 lead in the shootout, as Lucas Balthazar, Guerlain Hawaux and Maximilian Langer beat the Netherlands’s custodian Nieki Verbeek. That required Belgium to convert only one of their two remaining attempts, which Nicolas Bogaerts did after Mathias Francois was denied – leaving the Dutch conversions by Jan van’t Land and Bakker futile. “It was very important for us to finish on a strong note. Finishing fifth is not exactly what we wanted but it’s a good way to end with a win over the Netherlands. We played a very strong game and showed everything we wanted,” said Belgium captain Balthazar. “I think the coach will be happy with the performance looking at the bigger picture and how we grew in this tournament.” India vs Argentina (Full-Time Score: 4-2) Putting behind the disappointment of a semi-final defeat, the Indian crowd in Chennai eventually burst into celebrations on Wednesday after their cheers were muted by the Argentines for three quarters. A dream comeback by the Indian team overturned a 0-2 deficit to score as many as four goals in the last 15 minutes to register a famous win and clinch the third place for a bronze medal. A penalty stroke in the third minute for the Argentines put India behind when Nicolas Rodriguez converted from the spot. A fighting second quarter didn’t produce any goals, which kept the South Americans in front at 1-0 at half-time. Despite India dominating the third quarter, showcased by the four penalty corners they earned, it was Argentina who scored once again in the 44thminute, with Santiago Fernandez slotting the ball in for 2-0. The Indians had their backs to the wall in the last quarter but gave it their all and produced breathtaking hockey – led by three penalty-corner conversions. Ankit Pal pulled one back in the 49thminute and three minutes later Manmeet Singh scored off another set-piece to make the game even at 2-2. With the clock racing, in the 57thminute, a penalty stroke gave India a golden chance to go ahead, and Sharda Nand Tiwari made no mistakes for a 3-2 lead. With a spring in their step and the momentum on their side, India earned their seventh penalty corner in the 58thminute and Anmol Ekka grabbed the opportunity to complete India’s rally and seal the game at 4-2. “It’s fantastic. At least

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10 Dec, 2025 The ninth day of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago delivered several decisive moments across the classification pathways, with the United States and Germany securing their places in the fifth-place play-off after narrow but authoritative wins over England and Australia. India also progressed in the race for ninth position following a shoot-out victory against Uruguay, while Spain held firm in a 1–0 performance against Japan. In the remaining fixtures, Ireland opened the day with a win over Korea to position themselves within the 9–16 sequence, and Wales capitalised on their strongest showing of the tournament to overcome South Africa and advance to the play-off for 13th place. The day combined tactical closures, low scoring margins and strong defensive presences in the decisive phases. On Wednesday, the semi-finals will begin, with Netherlands–Belgium at 15.45 and Argentina–China at 18.00, both at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped within the Estadio Nacional. Below is the full breakdown of all matches on Day 9 in Santiago. Ireland vs Korea (Full-Time Score: 2–1) In the opening match within the 9–16 classification sequence, Ireland and Korea set the tone for Day 9 with a tightly balanced first half, during which Ireland registered higher possession, more circle entries and eleven set-piece attempts on the synthetic surface. Despite that attacking volume, Korea maintained a compact structure inside their 23m, restricting internal lanes and reducing scoring options. After the restart, Ireland consolidated their control of Q3 and converted pressure into two field goals: first through Milla Fulton in the 31st minute, and later via Eabha Curran in the 43rd, following a continuous sequence of penalty corners and high recoveries. Korea adjusted their structure in Q4, advanced more frequently and generated three PCs, one of which produced a goal from Park Seoyeon in the 54th minute. In the closing phase, Ireland managed their lead with a narrow defensive line and controlled outlets that neutralised any late Korean surge. Ireland’s captain, Amy Handcock, expressed, “We are very happy with our performance. We could have scored a few more chances, but we are pleased with the two goals we achieved. For the next match we will prepare as always, reviewing the video and trying to improve each time. I want to thank everyone cheering from Ireland and the parents who were able to come.” Spain vs Japan (Full-Time Score: 1–0) In the 9–12 classification contest, Spain and Japan played a match defined by contrasting forms of possession. Spain imposed early territorial control, registering 31 circle entries and five set-piece attempts on the synthetic pitch. The only goal of the match arrived in the eighth minute, when Natalia Vilanova finished a sequence of recovery and positional attack. Japan responded with a more direct approach and counterattacking speed, but were unable to convert those transitions into deep circulation due to Spain’s disciplined defensive work. In the second half, Spain maintained control of the tempo with a stable structure in controlled outlets, limiting Japanese progressions and avoiding concessions inside their 23m. Japan did not generate any penalty corners and had only one penalty stroke in Q1, which they failed to convert. Spain closed the match by managing possession through short attacks and a compact defence that absorbed late Japanese advances, securing the 1–0 and booking their place in Thursday’s 20.15 local-time play-off for ninth place. Spanish goalscorer Natalia Vilanova, at full-time, expressed, “It was a very tough match in which they felt very good, but we managed to win and we are very happy; we will now fight for ninth place. I think we deserved more. We have a lot of attitude ahead of the next match; it will feel like playing a final.” India vs Uruguay (Full-Time Score: 1–1, SO: 3–1) India took the initiative in the second 9–12 classification match at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped of the Estadio Nacional, holding more possession and producing eleven circle entries in the first half. After an initially balanced phase, the Asian side opened the scoring in the 18th minute through a field goal by Manisha, following their first penalty corner and sustained pressure on the right side of the circle. Uruguay responded with quick outlets and a penalty corner in Q1, but could not transform their forward movements into clear shots on Nidhi’s goal. After half-time, India maintained their offensive structure, generating eight additional circle entries and two penalty corners, while Uruguay retreated into their 23m to contain the opposition’s combinations. In the final minutes, Uruguay advanced their lines, obtained three penalty corners and, in the last minute, forced a penalty stroke that Justina Arregui converted to level the match 1–1 and send it to the shoot-out. In the shoot-out, India scored through Purnima Yadav, Ishika and Siwach Kanika, while Uruguay’s only goal came from Agustina Guerrero. In the decisive attempt, Sol Myszka faced the Indian goalkeeper from a reduced angle, and the defensive read forced an off-target finish wide of the left post. With the win, India will contest the ninth-place play-off against Spain, while Uruguay will meet Japan for 11th place. Wales vs South Africa (Full-Time Score: 2–0) In the fourth match of a ninth consecutive day of action in Santiago, Wales produced their strongest performance of the tournament in a structured, patient contest shaped by defensive order and a decisive third quarter. The British side arrived clearer in their early advances and gradually refined their high press, while South Africa attempted quick transitions without achieving real depth inside the circle. The turning point came after half-time, when Olivia Forey scored with a clean finish inside the circle, and just a minute later Matilda Edwards extended the lead from a penalty corner to translate dominance into a concrete advantage. South Africa, despite registering 24 circle entries and four penalty corners, struggled to connect circulation with finishing, losing fluency whenever Wales recovered and exited with clarity. The British team held the emotional control of the match, especially late on, when they resisted a sequence of consecutive

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Dec 9, 2025 South Africa met Wales in the thirteen to sixteen playoff matches and despite creating enough chances to take something from the game they were left disappointed after a two nil defeat. The first half produced no goals but plenty of moments that hinted at a breakthrough. Wales won an early penalty corner but the shot drifted wide. South Africa responded with a good opening when Teshawn de la Rey forced a turnover and released Anja Tromp who fired narrowly wide. Manisha Desai made a routine save at the other end before Ntopa Mokoena picked out Tromp again with a clever pass only for the deflection to slide past the post. At the break South Africa coach Cindy Brown was probably the more satisfied of the two coaches with the structure and energy shown. Wales came out with renewed intent after the restart and found the opener when Olivia Forey finished a chance created by Thomas. The South Africans were still settling when Wales doubled the lead from a penalty corner situation that they failed to clear allowing Matilda Edwards to prod home and leave South Africa with a mountain to climb. South Africa created a handful of moments in response hitting the post and forcing the Welsh keeper into sharp work but the third quarter ended with the scoreboard still reflecting a two goal deficit. The fourth quarter began with a double penalty corner for the South Africans but Hughes produced two excellent saves to keep Wales ahead. The pressure intensified as South Africa kept asking questions but the Welsh defence stood firm. Wales then had a chance to put the result beyond doubt against the run of play but missed the opportunity which kept the South Africans interested. Another close call followed when a deflection took the ball just beyond the reach of Ntsopa Mokoena who was lurking for a tap in. Despite creating a host of chances South Africa could not find the moment they needed and finished the match as two nil losers in a result that will feel deeply frustrating for a team that certainly had opportunities to change the script. Source: SAHockey.co.za

Dec 9, 2025 South Africa were unable to close out their Junior World Cup campaign with a win as they went down 4 to 2 to Australia in Tamil Nadu in the playoff for eleventh place. It meant the South Africans finished in twelfth position overall. After the disappointment of the previous game the boys dusted themselves off and committed fully to one more effort, but Australia were sharper in the critical moments. The opening quarter produced no goals as Australia enjoyed slightly more of the play. South Africa defended their circle well and stayed patient but were unable to create the clear openings they wanted. Australia opened the scoring in the second quarter when Duncan Jackson reacted quickest around the corner and finished well. South Africa stayed in the fight and found an equaliser right on the stroke of half time. Jaydon Brooker stepped up at a penalty corner and fired home neatly to make it one all at the break. Australia created more chances in the third quarter and South Africa had to hang on at times. Reuben Sendzul very nearly turned the match when he fired just wide in what would have been a brilliant finish. It proved to be a turning point as Australia struck next. Andrew caught Johannes Schoeman off his line and finished a well worked team goal to restore the lead for the Aussies. The gap widened again in the fiftieth minute when Dylan Brick produced a superb penalty corner to make it three one. Australia earned another penalty corner shortly after and again found the back of the net as the pressure finally told. South Africa showed good character to keep pushing and Litha Kraai pulled a goal back with a strong piece of individual play on the reverse stick. It gave the boys a glimmer of hope and they had another late chance from a penalty corner to close the gap even further but they could not convert. From loftier ambitions the South Africans had to settle for twelfth. The final placing was below their early plans but there were still many encouraging moments and a great deal learned over a challenging Junior World Cup.   Source: SAHockey.co.za

09 Dec, 2025 England signed off from the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 with their fifth consecutive win, which was good enough for them to earn a 9thplace as the fiercely-contested tournament witnessed the conclusion of the 9-24-place classification rounds. The English team survived some nervous moments to beat Ireland, while Australia bagged the 11thplace with victory over South Africa. Here’s a round-up of action from Tuesday in Chennai. Chile vs Switzerland (Full-Time Score: 2-1) Chile came from behind to secure the 15thspot with a fighting 2-1 win over Switzerland at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday to end their tournament on a high. It was only the second win in six matches for the Chileans. On the other hand, the Swiss team had a forgettable classification round and lost all its matches after doing well to register two wins in the pool stage – which incidentally included a 3-2 win over Chile. The first 15 minutes didn’t see any goals. But Jens Fluck broke the deadlock in the 18thminute to put Switzerland ahead from a penalty corner. Chile, however, managed to make things even before half-time, scoring the equaliser through Juan Velasco Kouyoumdjian. Umpire Annelize Rostron was kept busy by the players, forcing her to show three yellow cards in the second quarter – with Maurizio Ribaudo of Switzerland and Chile’s Gaspar Fosalba and Santiago Pizarro serving five-minute suspensions each. With the game in the balance, the third quarter saw the teams being cagey for most part but captain Felipe Richard completed Chile’s rally to put them ahead 2-1 in the 40thminute, and the scoreboard stayed as is at the last two-minute quarter break. The Chilean defence fought well to hang on to the thin lead in the goalless last quarter and ensure victory. “We knew it was going to be a tough match. We played against Switzerland in the group (stage), and I think this was our chance to win. It was tough. We really needed to defend a lot and I think we did a great job. We are happy to achieve our goal and now need to keep improving,” said Chile captain Richard. Japan vs Malaysia [Full-Time Score: 1(0) – 1(3)] Malaysia had their goalkeeper Haziq Hairul to thank for 13th-place finish as he stood tall in the post during a nervous shootout againstthefellow Asian team Japan in Chennai. It turned out to be a show of defence by each team as the finishing of strikers on boththesides left a lot to be desired. The game saw its first goal as late as the 29thminute, when Azimuddin Kamaruddin scoredfor Malaysiaoff a penalty corner. Japan had to wait until the 53rdminute when they finally managed to convert one of their attacks into goal through Shun Hara to force a tiebreaking shootout. The game saw just one of the 13 penalty corners producing a goal, with Japan failing to make their six PCs count and Malaysia converting just one out of seven. The shootout turned even more disappointing for Japan, as the Malaysian custodian Hairul didn’t let Shogo Sasaki, Naru Kimura and Shun Hara go past him. In contrast, Malaysia scored off all their first three attempts, as Danish Khairil, AddyJazmi Jamlus and Adam Johari scored past the Japanese keeper. “Thank you so much. All our players played well today; we followed our structure. Congrats to our goalkeeper (Haziq Hairul) for playing so well and getting the Player-of-the-Match award,” said Malaysia captain Danish Khairil after the match. Australia vs South Africa (Full-Time Score: 4-2) Australia’s concluding fixture, of an otherwise disappointing campaign by their high standards, produced a 4-2 win over South Africa that earned themthe11thplace in the tournament. The win was a consolationonefor the Burras who entered the tournament hoping to end a 28-year wait since they won their only FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 1997. Australia haven’t been on the podium either since 2009, when they finished with a bronze medal. The Aussies dominated the majority of the 60 minutes, except for the occasion when South Africa’s Jaydon Brooker utilized a penalty corner to bring his team level at 1-1 just before half-time, after Australia had taken the lead in the 22ndminute off the stick of Duncan Jackson. Patrick Andrew put the Aussies back in front in the 35thminute, and the former champions made use of two more penalty corners in the final quarter to make it 4-1 – thanks to Dylan Brick (51st) and Matthew Hawthorne (55th) – and take a decisive lead. The South Africans did manage to pull one goal back in the 57thminute, with Litha Kraai’s strike that ended the game at 4-2. “It was definitely important for us to finish with a win. We didn’t have the best tournament that we wanted to. We just spoke about it today, that it’s the last time these 18 boys are going to play together (in this tournament). So, we decided to just have fun, enjoy the hockey that we did, and it was good to get the win,” said AustraliacaptainDylan Downey. “It’s the first time for me (in India). It’s very different but the experience has been awesome.” England vs Ireland (Full-Time Score:2-0) England restored some of their pride by finishing best among the teams that failed to make it to the quarterfinals, beating Ireland 2-0 to go home with a 9th place finish, in a tournament they have never won. England’s best show in a Junior Men’s World Cup has been two fourth-place finishes in 1997 and 2001. But on Tuesday, they were clearly the better team in a match among two neighbours. In fact, this was England’s fifth straight win of this edition. But the only match they lost out of six – their tournament opener against Netherlands – cost them a place in the quarters. The game was played in an attacking nature, with England earning 10 penalty corners and Ireland seven, while both the teams were awarded a penalty stroke

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