KUALA LUMPUR – From launching attacks from the backline and showcasing their flair with their long-yard flicks, Germany has emerged as one of the most entertaining teams at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup.
The junior Honomas’ versatility has helped them secure their 12th semi-final appearance in the World Cup since making their debut in 1979 at Versailles, France.
With the attacking prowess of Florian Sperling, Liam Holdermann, and Jakob Brilla, the Germans have so far scored 17 goals with the aim of winning their seventh title in their favourite country, Malaysia.
Three of their titles were clinched in Kuala Lumpur (1982), Ipoh (1989), and Johor Bahru (2009).
However, their upcoming match against the Asian champions, India, is expected to be more challenging as the Men in Blue staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Netherlands 4-3 in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, securing their spot in the semi-finals against the Germans today.
Germany’s head coach, Rein van Eijk, acknowledged India’s physical strength and said that his team should be vigilant with their opponent’s counterattacks.
“We are on a fine run by scoring some amazing goals from all rounds of the turf in this tournament, but my players have to understand that the real obstacle has just started.
“But I know my players well, and I know how good they are at taking on anyone who comes in our way. We have a very big job against India in the semi-finals, and we will go into the game high on confidence.
“We cannot allow our concentration to slip away for a moment against India. It will be fatal for us.
“We have the experience of playing them before and know what to expect, and I believe the fans are going to enjoy this match as it’s probably going to be the best match of the entire tournament,” said Van Eijk.
Meanwhile, India’s head coach, C.R. Kumar, said that winning against Germany would be a significant boost for his team to continue their quest for their third title.
“We respect Germany’s reputation as a side that is to be recognised for their strength and performance in previous matches. We saw how they played and dismantled defending champion Argentina in the quarter-finals.
“It will not be easy to break down their defence, and we will have to work hard to do it. This is the most important game for us, as it will take us to the final.
“This is the best chance for us to avenge our defeat against them in the Sultan of Johor Cup and restore India’s pride and honour.
“We have been playing well as a team here. There is no looking back now, and we are close to realising our hopes of another final,” said Kumar.
India currently boasts the record of being the highest-scoring Asian team in the tournament with 19 goals and a 50% conversion rate from their drag flickers, thanks to the attacking prowess of Rohit Ubayveer and Uttam Singh.
India has converted eight out of the 16 penalty corners that they have received so far.
India has won the World Cup twice, in the 2001 and 2016 editions.
The last time both sides met in the Sultan of Johor Cup was in November of this year, when Germany defeated India 6-3 in the semi-finals and went on to win the title. – December 14, 2023