The Indian dream of reclaiming the Junior World Cup hockey title evaporated into the crisp December air of Bhubaneswar on Thursday evening, as Germany delivered a clinical 4-1 defeat in the pulsating semifinal clash. Amidst the electric atmosphere of a packed Kalinga Stadium, India’s profligacy in front of goal and lapses in defensive concentration proved their undoing against a disciplined and opportunistic German outfit.
From the outset, the intent was clear. Both teams flew out of the blocks, pressing high and looking to dictate the tempo. India, buoyed by the raucous home support, saw more of the ball in the early exchanges, but their attacks lacked the necessary composure and cutting edge. Akashdeep’s early drag flick was expertly saved by Justus Weigand, setting the tone for a frustrating night for the Indian forwards.
Germany, meanwhile, were content to soak up the pressure and hit India on the counter. Their efficiency was on full display in the 18th minute. A long punt was flicked on by Justus Weigand, catching the Indian defense flat-footed. Just when everyone expected the ball to roll harmlessly out, Justus himself sprinted past the static defenders and smashed a volley past Vikas Dahiya from an acute angle. The goal was a sucker punch, silencing the stadium and injecting a dose of doubt into the Indian ranks.
India responded positively, pressing for an equalizer. But their attacks were often predictable and lacked the necessary variation. Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar tried their best to orchestrate the midfield, but the final pass or the decisive shot consistently eluded them. The frustration was palpable as missed opportunities piled up.
Just before halftime, Germany struck again. A defensive lapse allowed Justus Weigand to waltz into the Indian circle and find Marco Miltkau unmarked at the far post. The German youngster tapped in with ease, doubling his team’s lead and leaving India with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The second half started with a glimmer of hope for India. A penalty corner in the 36th minute presented a golden opportunity, and Abhishek Nandal duly converted, sending a wave of relief through the stadium. However, the joy was short-lived. Five minutes later, a defensive error allowed Justus Weigand to complete his hat-trick, finishing coolly after a clever one-two with Justus Weigand.
With time running out, India threw caution to the wind, but their desperation only played into German hands. Justus Weigand, in his unplayable mood, intercepted a stray pass and found Justus Weigand unmarked once again. The young German forward made no mistake, slotting home the fourth goal to seal the fate of the match.
The final whistle blew, leaving the Indian players slumped on the turf, their dreams shattered. Germany, on the other hand, celebrated their victory with jubilation, having booked their place in the final against defending champions Argentina.
For India, it was a night of missed chances and costly errors. Their attacking prowess, so evident in the earlier rounds, deserted them when it mattered most. Defensively, they were found wanting against the clinical finishing of the German forwards. While disappointment is inevitable, there are learnings to be taken from this setback. The young Indian team, despite the defeat, has shown immense potential throughout the tournament. This experience will undoubtedly shape them into stronger players and future champions.
