11 Dec, 2025 Germany’s men’s side bounced back emphatically on Day 3 of the FIH Pro League, earning a composed 4–1 win over England built on clinical team goals and disciplined defence. Belgium were pushed deep into the match by a determined Ireland side but did just enough to secure a 2–1 victory in Dublin. In Santiago del Estero, the Argentine men thrilled their home crowd with a 4–2 shootout win over the Netherlands after a tense 1–1 draw, before the Leonas closed the day with a gritty 1–0 triumph over Germany. It was a slate of tight battles, standout goalkeeping, and early-season statements across both continents. (Men’s) England 1 – 4 Germany Germany logged their first win of the new season with a hard fought 4-1 win over England, scoring some high-quality team goals in the process. Storm Bram may have passed, but a brisk wind coupled with intermittent showers presented challenging conditions during the match. England played at a high intensity in the first half, but it was Germany’s patience and control that created better chances. The Germans scored from their first opportunity in the 7th minute, Matteo Poljaric doing excellent work to clean up the scraps off the goalkeeper’s pads. Nicholas Bandurak equalised for England with a drag flick in the opening minute of the second quarter, but Justus Weigand restored Germany’s lead with a sensational reverse stick strike from open play in the 23rd. England found themselves under sustained pressure towards the end of the half, but a brilliant save from James Mazarelo kept it 2-1 to the Germans at half time. Jean-Paul Danneberg enjoyed a quiet third quarter in goal as the Germans completely bossed the period. His one excellent save in the 41st minute resulted in a rapid counterattack for Henrik Mertgens to extend their lead, receiving on the p-spot with his back to goal and firing accurately on the turn. The space opened up in the final quarter and England enjoyed long periods in the ascendancy. But Elian Mazkour wrapped up a convincing German victory with his tap-in at the back post from open play in the dying seconds. The player of the match award went to Jakob Brilla of Germany who said: “After the first game, a 4-1 loss, it was really nice for us to win this time, also 4-1, so we are quite happy.” (Women’s) Ireland 1 – 2 Belgium Belgium managed to grind out a tricky 2-1 win over FIH Pro League debutants Ireland, who played with tremendous grit in front of their vocal home supporters. The much higher ranked Belgians were patient through a scrappy first half, but a high turnover rate from both teams meant that real chances were few and far between. Belgium’s Ambre Ballenghien understandably missed an opportunity after rushing with just one second remaining in the opening quarter, but she made up for it in the 23rd minute to hand her side a 1-0 lead by half time. Ballenghien completed her brace with a fantastic team goal in the 34th minute, diving at the goalkeeper’s pads for an excellent deflection from open play that started deep in their own half. Ireland enjoyed a period of sustained pressure towards the end of the third quarter and only some excellent goalkeeping from Elena Sotgiu, who was celebrating her 100th cap for Belgium, kept them out. The Irish then missed a golden opportunity from a quick breakout after a defensive penalty corner before surviving a barrage of Belgian circle entries and penalty corners. Ireland were again denied by a double save from Sotgiu, but Ellen Curran finally gave the home fans something to cheer about with an excellent goal from a penalty corner variation to the p-spot with time up on the clock. Belgium’s Charlotte Englebert was named player of the match and said: “We know that Ireland is a tough game to play, but it was nice to play against the home crowd. It was nice to hear there at the beginning of the game everyone was super excited about it.” (Men’s) Argentina 1 – 1 Netherlands (4 – 2 SO) The Netherlands came out flying and generated plenty of early pressure, but they couldn’t find enough ways past Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago to take command in regulation. A third-quarter thunderbolt from Lucas Toscani pulled the hosts level and ultimately set up a 4–2 shootout victory for Argentina. Thierry Brinkman nearly struck in the opening minutes, unleashing a powerful shot that left the Argentine defence scrambling as Steijn van Heijningen narrowly missed the back-post deflection. Santiago then turned aside a series of Dutch circle entries, including chances generated through their aerial-led build-up. The visitors eventually broke through in the 12th minute when a strong run up the middle by Pepijn van der Heijden eventually found Brinkman, who finished calmly for the 1–0 lead. The second quarter remained goalless thanks largely to Santiago, who denied Koen Bijen twice from close range and blocked a Tijmen Reyenga drag flick. Argentina found more rhythm in the third, with early warning signs from Bautista Capurro before earning a penalty corner opportunity. Toscani then produced a moment of brilliance, creating space with quick hands before smashing a reverse-stick shot under the bar to make it 1–1. Neither side could find a breakthrough in the final quarter, sending the match to a shootout — the fourth straight Pro League meeting between these teams to end level. Santiago came up big again with a decisive stop, Brinkman sent his attempt wide, and four composed Argentine finishes sealed a 4–2 shootout win for the Leones. After the match Argentina’s Lucas Toscani was named Player of the match and said: “It was great to score a goal today and important to help us tie the game. It was a really tough game so it was important and I am really happy because of the shootout win. I think we played a good game but of course there are things we can still do better.

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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