Chennai, December 7, 2025 – India's dream of clinching the FIH Hockey World Cup for Junior Men on home soil was shattered following a brutal 5-1 defeat at the hands of defending champions Germany in the semi-final. The match, held in Chennai on December 6, saw Germany dominate across all phases, leaving the host nation to compete for the bronze medal against Argentina.

Germany showcased tactical discipline and relentless pressure from the start, building a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime. Lukas Kossel scored twice (14', 30'), while Titus Wex (15'), Jonas von Gersum (40'), and Ben Hasbach (49') contributed the other goals for Germany. India's lone goal came from Anmol Ekka in the 51st minute.

The German side launched an aggressive high press early in the match, pushing India into a defensive posture. Although India initially absorbed the pressure, they struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities. In the 14th minute, a penalty stroke was awarded to Germany after a shot by Quirin Nahr struck Indian defender Ankit Pal, which Lukas Kossel successfully converted. Only a minute later, Titus Wex's pass deflected off Sunil Palakshappa Bennur's foot and into the goal, ending the first quarter with Germany leading 2-0.

India regrouped in the second quarter, exhibiting better ball possession and midfield control, leading to increased entries into the circle. However, they failed to test German goalkeeper Jasper Ditzer. Just before halftime, Germany earned their second penalty corner, which Kossel converted to extend their lead to 3-0.

After halftime, Germany continued their offensive dominance. Jonas von Gersum scored in the 40th minute, followed by Ben Hasbach in the 49th, making it 5-0. India responded with a penalty corner conversion by Anmol Ekka in the 51st minute, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

India's coach, PR Sreejesh, stressed the need for improvement in finishing and a reduction in defensive lapses, but the team couldn't execute the plans effectively. According to Sreejesh, "We didn't play well. We made silly mistakes, conceded goals and didn't play our game".

This marks India's third consecutive semi-final defeat against Germany in the Junior Men's World Cup. India will now face Argentina for the bronze medal, while Germany will compete against Spain in the final. Spain secured their spot by defeating Argentina 2-1 in the other semi-final. India last won the junior world title in Lucknow in 2016.