Junior Hockey World Cup 2025: England pips Ireland to finish ninth; Malaysia beats Japan via shootout
England brushed aside Ireland 2-0 to claim ninth place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.
The English side took the lead in the 10th minute after being awarded a penalty stroke (PS). Kaden Draysey made no mistake from the spot after Ireland’s Video Referral was rejected by the video umpire. Draysey doubled England’s advantage just before half-time from a Penalty Corner (PC).
Ireland started the second half by attacking with intensity and earned a series of PCs. It was awarded a penalty stroke soon after, but Louis Rowe failed to convert the chance. The third quarter was dominated by Ireland, and the English defence successfully weathered the storm.
In the final phase, England controlled the tempo and maintained possession to nullify the Irish threat to clinch the contest.
Australia thrashes South Africa
After a tough campaign, Australia finished the tournament on a high by grabbing 11th position with a 4-2 win over South Africa.
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The Burras set out to give long-serving coach Jay Stacy a fitting farewell in his final match in charge, but despite flexing their muscles early, Australia failed to capitalise in the opening quarter.
Duncan Jackson broke the deadlock early in the second quarter before Patrick Andrew doubled Australia’s lead soon after. Just before the break, South Africa struck back through Jaydon Brooker, playing his final hockey tournament before switching to professional cricket.
Dylan Brick gave Australia a cushion in the final quarter from a PC before Matthew Hawthorne netted with the same routine to make it 4-1. Just before the final whistle, South Africa got its second goal of the match via Litha Kraai.
Malaysia scripts shootout victory over Japan
Malaysia finished the tournament in 13th position with a dramatic 3-0 shootout win over fellow Asian side Japan after a 1-1 stalemate in the 13th/14th position match.
Azimuddin Kamaruddin gave the Junior Speedy Tigers the lead with a powerful drag-flick in the 29th minute from Malaysia’s fourth PC of the match. Japan left it late to get the equaliser, which finally arrived in the 53rd minute from Shun Hara.
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Haziq Hairul stood tall under pressure in the shootout, denying Japan three times in a row to crown Malaysia the winner.
Chile beats Switzerland
In the first match of the day, Chile defeated Switzerland 2-1 to secure 15th position.
After a relatively measured first quarter from both sides, the Europeans broke the deadlock through Jens Fluck in the 18th minute. Just over three minutes before half-time, Chile hit back via Juan Velasco Kouyoumdjian.
The South American team mounted pressure on the Swiss goal from the restart, and in the 39th minute, skipper Felipe Richard gave it the lead, which ultimately was enough to seal 15th place.
Published on Dec 09, 2025