Junior hockey World Cup: Germany trounces India, sets up title clash with Spain

CHENNAI:

What was billed as an exciting contest turned out to be a one-sided affair as Germany outclassed India 5-1 in the semifinal of the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Sunday.

The seven-time champion produced a clinical performance, cruising to a big victory to reach its 10th final in 14 editions.

Earlier, a late and controversial goal sent Spain into its maiden final as it edged past Argentina 2-1 in the other semifinal. Spain will clash with Germany in the final on Wednesday while India will fight it out with Argentina for the bronze on the same day.

The India–Germany contest was virtually decided in the opening quarter itself, when the visitor struck twice. Germany’s high intensity, compact defensive structure and ruthless finishing left India chasing the game from the outset.

Germany opened the scoring through a penalty stroke converted by Lucas Kossel late in the first quarter. A fierce drive by Quirin Nahr struck Ankit Pal on the body, resulting in a stroke.

The second goal came in freak fashion as a sideline drive by Titus Wex was inadvertently deflected into the net by Sunil Palakshappa Bennur.

India looked deflated after conceding the second goal. Kossel converted a penalty corner for his second goal.

The Indian midfield lacked creativity while the forward line’s circle penetrations were ineffective.

In the other semifinal, the decisive moment came under controversy when Bruno Avila fired from well outside the 23-yard line. An apparently faint touch from Albert Serrahima directed the ball into the post. After a video referral and deliberation, the umpires upheld the decision, leaving even Spain head coach Oriol Puig Torras visibly surprised.

The results (semifinals): Spain 2 (Mario Mena 6-PC, Albert Serrahima 55) bt Argentina 1 (Juan Fernandez 20-PC); Germany 5 (Lucas Kossel 13-PS, 29-PC, Titus Wex 14, Jonas von Gersum 39, Ben Hasbach 48) bt India 1 (Anmol Ekka 51).