India lose 1-5 to Germany in Junior World Cup semifinal

India’s bid to reclaim the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup ended with a 1-5 loss to Germany in the semifinal at Chennai. Anmol Ekka scored India’s lone goal. Germany will face Spain in the final, India meet Argentina for bronze

Chennai: Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team suffered a 1-5 defeat against defending champions Germany in the semifinal of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025.

Anmol Ekka (51st minute) scored for India while Lukas Kossel (14th, 30th), Titus Wex (15th), Jonas von Gersum (40th) and Ben Hasbach (49th) were the scorers for Germany.

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Germany started the first quarter strongly, pressing high and forcing India to play in their own half. India initially did well to sustain the pressure and build from the back, but they could not create a clear chance on goal.

In the third minute, Germany broke through as Justus Warweg made an interception in a dangerous area, but Indian goalkeeper Princedeep Singh stepped out to make a fine save.

In the 14th minute, Germany won their first penalty corner as Quirin Nahr’s shot struck Ankit Pal’s body, leading to a penalty stroke. Lukas Kossel converted to give Germany the lead.

A minute later, India conceded again as Titus Wex’s pass deflected off Sunil Palakshappa Bennur’s foot and rolled into the goal, ending the first quarter 2-0.

India regrouped in the second quarter, holding more possession and controlling the midfield, but they could not test the German goalkeeper.

Just before half-time, Germany won their second penalty corner and Kossel scored again to make it 3-0.

India’s first good attempt came in the 34th minute when Ajeet Yadav beat two defenders and shot at goal, but Jasper Ditzer saved.

In the 40th minute, Jonas von Gersum tapped in after Jannik Enaux and Alec von Schwerin combined to slice through the Indian defence.

Germany extended their lead in the 49th minute when Ben Hasbach dribbled past Princedeep Singh and scored.

India pulled one back in the 51st minute through Anmol Ekka, who converted a penalty corner variation after a pass from captain Rohit.

Germany defended well thereafter as India tried hard but could not score again.

India will now face Argentina in the 3rd/4th place match on Wednesday.