In the FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023, India made a remarkable comeback to defeat the Netherlands in the second quarter-final held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 12. Having previously won in 2001 and 2016, India will now face six-time champions Germany on December 14, vying for a spot in the final.
At halftime, the Indian team was losing 0-2. Timo Boers scored early in the fifth minute with a tricky deflection that got past the goalkeeper Mohith. After the game resumed for the second quarter, the Indian team found themselves falling further behind by 2-0. This time, Pepijn van der Heijden skillfully converted a penalty corner in the 16th minute following a spate of opportunities.
But India made a comeback in the third quarter, thanks to Aditya Lalage's goal — a fantastic finish, flicking the ball over the oncoming Dutch goalkeeper in the 34th minute. Within seconds, the score became 2-2 when Araijeet Hundal successfully converted a penalty stroke. This penalty was earned by Sunil Jojo after Boris Aardenburg's risky play. Unfortunately, India did give away the lead again as Van der Heijden scored from a retaken drag-flick in the 44th minute.
After three goals in the third quarter, both teams picked up the pace at the Malaysia National Hockey Stadium. On the counterattack, India levelled the score in the 52nd minute with a composed finish from Sourabh Kushwaha, who calmly slotted the ball home after a rebound. In just a few minutes, India took the lead for the first time in the match.
With three minutes left until the final hooter, India earned back-to-back penalty corners. A well-placed injection by Vishnukanth set up Boby Singh Dhami, who relayed to the opportunistic India captain Uttam Singh. He made a significant deflection, bringing the score to 4-3. The countdown began, and it ultimately ended with India winning the thrilling seven-goal match.
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