FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup: England trumps Australia, Malaysia crushes Switzerland
England outscored Australia 3-1 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Saturday to secure a spot in the ninth-place classification match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025.
The victory brought some cheer to England supporters in Chennai, particularly as it coincided with their cricket team struggling in the second Test of the Ashes in Brisbane.
England took a deserved lead in the eighth minute when Kaden Draysey opened the scoring, capping off a dominant performance by the Europeans in the first quarter. Australia, which has appeared vulnerable throughout the tournament, struggled to find its rhythm and create opportunities.
However, in the 43rd minute, Kade Leigh grabbed an equaliser for the Burras, setting the stage for a tense final period. The parity was short-lived, though, as England immediately reclaimed the lead just 23 seconds into the final quarter via Michael Royden. Ted Graves sealed the victory in the dying seconds with England’s third goal.
Ireland edges past South Africa
The 9th-12th classification match between South Africa and Ireland presented a unique conflict for India’s senior men’s team head coach, Craig Fulton: supporting his national side while watching his son, Jake Fulton, represent the nation of his birth, Ireland.
Ireland ultimately clinched the match with a 4-2 win, fueled by a hat-trick from Gregory Williams. Noa Mulvey scored its other goal.
After falling three goals behind, the African team mounted pressure on the Irish goal, earning several Penalty Corners (PCs) but failing to convert. Eventually, Reuben Sendzul pulled one back for South Africa from open play, and Brett Horn added a second.
Ireland will now face England in the match for ninth place.
ALSO READ: FIH Men’s Junior World Cup: Austria progresses via shootout again, Amirul Islam continues to shine
Japan beats Chile
In the day’s opening match, a brace from Yuma Fujiwara guided Japan past Chile with a 3-1 victory in the 13th-16th classification round.
After trailing 0-1 at halftime, the South American side drew level two minutes into the second half with a field goal from Santiago Pizarro. Nevertheless, Japan quickly responded with goals from Fujiwara and Naru Kimura, scored within two minutes of each other, to clinch Japan’s second win of the campaign.
Malaysia thrashes Switzerland
Malaysia outscored Switzerland 7-3 in a fast-paced, end-to-end match to qualify for the 13th-position final.
Azimuddin Kamaruddin netted two goals from PCs for the Junior Speedy Tigers, supported by five other scorers. The skilful and fast Asian opponent successfully neutralised the Swiss team’s impressive possession-based game. Malaysia began the match with fierce attacking intensity, taking a two-goal lead within 12 minutes, which set the tone for an open contest.
Malaysia will now square off against Japan for the 13th/14th place showdown, while Australia and South Africa will vie for 11th/12th place.
Published on Dec 06, 2025