Chennai: India showcased remarkable resilience to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat Argentina 4-2, securing the bronze medal at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup on Wednesday. This marked India’s return to the podium after missing out in the last two editions, finishing fourth in 2021 in Bhubaneswar and again in Kuala Lumpur in 2023.
The match saw Argentina take an early advantage, with Nicolas Rodriguez converting a penalty stroke in the third minute, followed by Santiago Fernandez’s strike in the 44th minute. Argentina dominated the first two quarters, maintaining possession and putting the Indian defense under pressure. India struggled initially, squandering early opportunities, including a close-range effort by Dilraj Singh in the 20th minute that was brilliantly saved by Argentine goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz.
India’s turnaround began in the final quarter with a series of well-executed penalty corners. Ankit Pal opened the scoring in the 49th minute by deflecting Anmol Ekka’s flick. Manmeet Singh leveled the match four minutes later, also capitalizing on Ekka’s precise delivery. Sharda Nand Tiwari scored from a penalty stroke in the 57th minute, followed by Ekka converting another penalty corner a minute later, completing the 4-2 comeback.
Earlier in the day, Germany reclaimed the FIH Junior World Cup title, defeating Spain 3-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation. Germany had taken the lead through Justus Warweg in the 26th minute, with Nicolas Mustaros equalizing for Spain in the 33rd minute. Benedikt Geyer, Alec von Schwerin, and Ben Hasbach scored in the shootout for Germany, while Pablo Roman and Juan Prado netted for Spain.
Other notable matches included Belgium edging past the Netherlands 4-3 in a shootout for fifth place, with Hugo Labouchere scoring a hat-trick, and France beating New Zealand 4-1 to finish seventh, thanks to a brace from Tom Gaillard.
India’s bronze-winning performance highlighted their determination and ability to thrive under pressure, completing a memorable comeback against a formidable Argentine side on home soil.
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