Junior World Cup: No podium for Indian colts

Bhubaneswar, December 5

Defending champions India failed to finish on the podium after they lost 1-3 to France in the bronze-medal playoff in the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup here today. France skipper Timothee Clement slammed a hat-trick to stun the hosts for the second time in the tournament to secure bronze. Clement converted three penalty corners in the 26th, 34th and 47th minutes while India’s lone goal was struck by Sudeep Chirmako in the 42nd minute.

After their superlative performance against Belgium in the quarterfinals, this was India’s second consecutive flop show, including the loss to Germany in the semifinals.

Today’s match was a chance for India to avenge their 4-5 defeat against France in their tournament opener, but the European side dominated the hosts with a superb performance. France were by far the better team today as they controlled the proceedings after a sedate first quarter and earned as many as 14 penalty corners against just three by India.

Argentina win title

Lautaro Domene struck a hat-trick as a determined Argentina stunned six-time champions Germany 4-2 to clinch their second title. Domene converted three penalty corners in the 10th, 25th and 50th minutes, while Franco Agoistini (60th) scored a field goal. Julius Hayner (36th) and Mas Pfandt (47th) were the scorers for Germany.

Argentina had earlier won the title in 2005. This was Germany’s 11th medal in the 12 editions of the tournament. — PTI