CHENNAI: The contrast between India and defending champions Germany was visible long before the first whistle. The Germans went about their warm-up with almost schoolboy-like discipline — lines straight, movements synchronized, every player in tune.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!This, despite them studying, training and working across Germany and coming together only a few weeks before the tournament. The Indians, who have been together for almost two years at the SAI, South Centre in Bengaluru, meanwhile, scattered across their half of the turf, mirroring the lack of structure that would later define their evening. What followed was a 1-5 defeat that brutally exposed the gulf between the two sides in the semifinals of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup here on Sunday.
For the first time in the tournament, every seat at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium was taken. But it took Germany all of 14 minutes to drain the energy out of the stands, and the fans barely found their voice again, aware that hope was evaporating fast. The unraveling began with Ankit Pal, who conceded back-to-back infringements inside the circle — the second earning Germany a penalty stroke. Lukas Kossel made no mistake, sneaking the ball between goalkeeper Princedeep Singh’s left pad and glove.
Barely a minute later, and against the run of play, Justus Warweg swept in Germany’s second from the top of the circle, with a defender shielding Prince Deep’s view but not the trajectory of the ball. On the stroke of halftime, Germany tightened their grip as Kossel struck again, this time off a penalty corner.
While India squandered three penalty corners in the third quarter and continued to restrict themselves to the flanks, Germany exploited the open lanes. With defenders outnumbered, Princedeep had to rush out, only for Jonas von Gersum to slot in the 40th minute.
Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey hereManuja Veerappa, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, h...
Read MoreManuja Veerappa, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, has dedicated over half of her 22-year journalism career to the publication. Specializing in
cricket and hockey, she has covered major sporting events including World Cups, the Commonwealth Games, and world championships in billiards and snooker.
Known for her compelling human-interest stories, she has traveled extensively across Karnataka to spotlight untold talent and their journeys. An internationally
published sportswriter and former national-level hockey player for Karnataka, Manuja is a true-blue Bengalurean who also writes on the city’s culture and life, blending deep reporting with a passion for storytelling.
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