CHENNAI, Dec 5: Seven-time champions Germany advanced to the semifinals of the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup with a 3-1 win in the shoot-out over a gutsy France after both the teams were locked 2-2 at the end of regulation time here on Friday.Germany had eked out a narrow 2-1 win over France in the final of the 2023 edition.
In the shoot-out, Jonas von Gersum, Justus Warweg and Lukas Kossel, who scored from a penalty stroke, were the goal getters for Germany,. France’s lone strike in the shoot-out came from Aristide Michaelis.All credit goes to German goalie Jasper Ditzer, who produced a superlative show, not just in the shoot-out but throughout the enthralling contest.On Friday, it turned out to be a hard-fought contest between the two sides but France had better share of circle penetrations and chances.France had the first real scoring chance in the form a penalty corner in the 13th minute but the effort was saved by German keeper Ditzer.Both the teams matched each other stick-for-stick as the deadlock continued after the first 15 minutes.The second quarter produced enthralling contest with the tempo and intensity of the game increasing to a different level. If not for German goalkeeper Ditzer, France would have had a sound lead by the half time.
SPAIN 4-3 NEW ZEALAND
In the thrilling first quarterfinal earlier in the day, tournament’s second highest goal scorer and drag-flicker Avila Bruno converted a last minute penalty corner to hand Spain a close 4-3 win over a fighting New Zealand.It was Spain who started the match on a rousing note, taking a 3-0 lead inside 12 minutes through field strikes by Nicolas Mustaros (2nd minute), Josep Martin (10th) and Albert Serrahima (12th).But New Zealand mounted a brilliant fightback with Sam Lints (22nd, 60th) scoring two field goals, while Ryan Parr converted a penalty corner in the 34th minute.Just at stroke of the final hooter, Avila put paid to the hopes of New Zealand from a penalty corner.
ARGENTINA WIN
In the penultimate last-eight round match, two-time champions Argentina beat Netherlands 1-0 to book their semifinal berth.Argentina, who won the title in 2005 and 2021, scored through a perfectly executed variation, resulting in a superb goal by Tomas Ruiz from their second penalty corner in the 52nd minute.Trailing 0-1, Netherlands pulled out their goalkeeper four minutes from the hooter and pressed hard. They secured back-to-back penalty corners just 13 seconds from full time but the Argentines defended bravely to set up a semifinal clash against Spain.Netherlands will play France for the bronze medal on Sunday. (PTI)
