The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team demonstrated composure under pressure to defeat Belgium in a high-octane quarterfinal clash at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 in Chennai, with the final score standing at 2-2 (4-3 in the shootout).
India pip Belgium to enter Junior Men's Hockey World Cup semifinal
The undeniable hero of the match was goalkeeper Princedeep Singh, whose incredible saves during the shootout evoked memories of his coach, PR Sreejesh, the former custodian of the Indian senior team. Princedeep was rightly awarded the Player of the Match, having been extremely effective even during regulation time, particularly in the third quarter when he successfully fended off back-to-back penalty corners won by Belgium.
Sharda Nand Tiwari also played a critical role in India's shootout success, maintaining India's position in the contest with his precise penalty strokes. He converted three times, while Ankit Pal scored the decisive winning goal for India, concluding the tense shootout with a final score of 4-3.
Early in the game, India maintained patience until they managed to seize the lead from Belgium in the 45th minute. It was Captain Rohit who finally broke the gridlock, scoring a sensational dragflick that equalized the score at 1-1. Belgium had initially taken a strong lead in the 13th minute of the match with a field goal scored by Gaspard Cornez-Massant, giving them a roaring start and putting the Indian side on the back foot. Throughout the following quarter, Belgium maintained a brilliant defensive structure that successfully blocked virtually every chance India managed to create.
India to face Germany in semifinal clash
However, the third quarter proved to be where all the major action unfolded, as India returned from the half-time break with renewed vigor. India's custodian, Princedeep, was simultaneously performing exceptionally well, making several splendid saves that were strongly reminiscent of his coach, PR Sreejesh's style of safeguarding India's post. In the 48th minute, Sharda Nand Tiwari put India ahead 2-1 with a well-executed penalty corner, a goal that ignited massive celebrations across the stadium in Egmore. Unfortunately, the lead was short-lived, as Belgium found an equaliser in the 59th minute through Nathan Rogge, forcing the game into the shootout. Next, India will advance to the Semi-final on December 7, 2025, where they are scheduled to take on the seven-time champions, Germany.