Junior Hockey World Cup 2025: India seeks strong finish, gears up for bronze medal clash with Argentina

Following a thumping 1-5 defeat to Germany in the semifinal of the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, the Indian team will have to bounce back to fight for a podium finish on Wednesday against Argentina at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium. 

So far, it hasn’t been a memorable home World Cup for the team. After dominant wins over significantly weaker opponents in the group stage, the Blue Colts have struggled. In both knockout games, India looked vulnerable in defence and seemed to crumble under the weight of expectation. Barring Prince Deep Singh’s shootout heroics in the quarterfinals, the players haven’t demonstrated a promising future for Indian hockey.

However, the third-place duel against the No. 3-ranked side presents an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their mental fortitude. To achieve this, they need to follow their coach’s simple instruction: “contain and convert.”

Looking ahead to the bronze-medal match, the coach emphasised the importance of securing a medal: “There is one more match left, which can help you to win at least one medal, and that is really important rather than crying about today’s match… going back empty-handed is more painful.”

In India’s last two matches, both opponents cut through the Indian side via the middle. The midfield lacked connection with the defence, making it too easy for opponents to break the lines with simple passes. Conversely, there were hardly any quick give-and-go passing moves in the first 30 minutes of the semifinal that genuinely pressured the German defence.

At the Under-21 level, the consensus is that performances and development matter more than actual results, and the Indian side has hopefully learned valuable lessons from the heavy semifinal defeat.

Meanwhile, Argentina narrowly lost to Spain 1-2 in the other semifinal, with two controversial decisions, including the match-winning goal, going against it in crucial moments. The South Americans have shown serious resolve and will be highly motivated to return home with a medal.

Argentina narrowly lost to Spain 1-2 in the other semifinal, with two controversial decisions going against it in crucial moments.
| Photo Credit:
B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

The Little Lions will look to exploit the individual-led Indian side that tends to commit too many unforced errors and fails to follow the defensive structure, particularly through the middle.

A two-day break will surely give both sides time to recharge and reset. It also allows the two Olympic medallist coaches on each side to strategically set up their respective teams for the battle for bronze.

Come Wednesday, if India wants to finish the tournament on a high, its high press will have to be more vigilant, the defensive structure must be maintained, and players need to be aware of their space. But most importantly, the midfield has to fire.

Published on Dec 09, 2025