The dream of reclaiming the FIH Men's Junior World Cup title may have ended, but hosts India will be determined to secure at least a podium finish and give the passionate home fans something to celebrate when they face Argentina in the bronze medal match on Wednesday.
India last lifted the trophy nine years ago in 2016 in Lucknow and suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat to seven-time champions and defending title-holders Germany in Sunday’s semifinal.
Devastated at missing yet another chance to win the crown, the young Indian side will now aim to regroup, learn from their errors, and ensure they leave the home tournament with a medal around their necks. Standing in their way, however, are two-time champions Argentina, who have already demonstrated their quality throughout the competition.
Argentina, winners in 2005 and 2021, fell 1-2 in a tightly contested semifinal against Spain and will be equally wounded and hungry to end their campaign on a positive note by claiming bronze.
In the semifinal, India were comprehensively outplayed by a ruthless German side. The hosts crumbled under pressure and conceded several soft goals—luxuries they simply cannot afford against Argentina if they are to step onto the podium.
The Indian defence repeatedly surrendered possession cheaply, leading directly to goals, while the forward line, so impressive in the pool stage against weaker opposition, looked blunt and ineffective against the Germans.
Players such as Dilraj Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Gurjot Singh, and Ajeet Yadav created numerous opportunities but were unable to convert any of them into goals.
India’s chief coach, the legendary PR Sreejesh, openly acknowledged that his team failed to stick to the game plan and made elementary errors that cost them dearly.
“We committed silly mistakes, conceded goals and it is quite hard for these guys after conceding easy goals in a Junior World Cup semifinal. If you fail to execute your plans then that definitely is going to hurt you,” Sreejesh said after the loss to Germany.
“Winning and losing matters a lot, it doesn’t matter if you lose 1-0 or 10-0, it’s the same but the problem is how we concede the goals. We need to focus on that first.
“It’s all about collective effort. You need to defend well first and then you need to attack and create opportunities. We are not converting our opportunities,” he added. The Indian backline, marshalled by captain Rohit, will need to produce a vastly improved performance to contain a dangerous Argentine attack.
The midfield also lacked rhythm and unity against Germany, and players like Rosan Kujur, Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Adrohit Ekka, and Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang must be far more proactive, cohesive, and creative if they are to supply the forwards with quality chances.
Penalty corners remain a long-standing Achilles’ heel for India. Anmol Ekka scored India’s only goal against Germany from a set piece, but skipper Rohit—widely regarded as the team’s premier drag-flicker—has been unable to deliver from dead-ball situations in the tournament. While his defensive work has been solid, the team has every right to expect more output from him in this department.
At the other end, goalkeeper Princedeep Singh has been a revelation for the hosts, and India will once again rely heavily on the young Punjab custodian to maintain his excellent form. Meanwhile, Germany will chase an unprecedented eighth Junior World Cup title when they face Spain in Wednesday’s final.
Also Read: India have to step up their game to get past Germany
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