Junior Hockey World Cup | India crowned champions after beating Belgium in final

It was standing room only at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium for the gold medal match, with 17,000 cheering fans creating an electric atmosphere for what was a sparkling showcase of junior international hockey.

India’s triumph in the title match brought the curtain down on what has been a wonderful festival of hockey in Lucknow. With the new champions having a 100 percent win record throughout the event, few could dispute that the home favourites were worthy winners.

In the bronze medal match, Timm Herzbruch inspired Germany to a 3-0 victory over Australia, with the 19-year-old attacker scoring twice for his side. The early stages of the match were closely contested, with the Burras having some good scoring opportunities in the first half but found themselves going into break a goal down thanks to Jan Schiffer’s 11th minute field goal. It was a lead that Germany doubled in the second period when the outstanding Herzbruch fired home from open play in the 51st minute. Herzbruch – a nominee for the FIH Rising Star Award for 2016 - also netted Germany’s third goal, launching an unstoppable penalty corner drag-flick into the top right corner ten minutes from time to secure the bronze medal in front of a packed Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. “Obviously it is awesome [to win bronze], look at this crowd”, said Germany captain Constantin Staib immediately after the game. “It’s so loud in here, it’s unbelievable. I played in the World League in Raipur last year and it was similar, but not as much as here. It is the best experience I’ve ever had.”

Argentina were the winners of the 5/6 Place play-off, recording a 2-1 victory over Spain. Following an evenly contested first half, Spain came close to opening the scoring in the early stages of the second period, with Pol Gispert missing two glorious chances before Argentina established a 2-0 lead. Nicolas Keenan and Tomas Domene scored goals in the 51st and 54th minute to give the European side a mountain to climb. Spain removed their goalkeeper in the final stages of the match, and their boldness was rewarded three minutes from the end when Marc Perrellon pounced on a loose ball after Joan Tarres hit the post. Spain almost found an equalizer in the closing moments with a penalty corner, but Argentina shot-stopper Emiliano Bosso made the save that guaranteed a top five finish for his team.

Results - 18th December 2016

7/8 Place:  England 2, Netherlands 6.5/6 Place:  Argentina 2, Spain 1.3/4 Place:  Germany 3, Australia 0.1/2 Place:  Belgium 1, India 2.

1: India2: Belgium3 Germany4: Australia5:  Argentina6:  Spain7:  Netherlands8:  England9   New Zealand10: South Africa11: Malaysia12: Austria13: Japan14: Korea15: Egypt16: Canada

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