The 13-day tournament, co-hosted by Chennai and Madurai, wrapped up with a finale befitting the tension and quality of the event’s 14th edition. In a tese, defence-first final, Germany once again proved why they are the sport’s gold standard. Their 1–1 draw with Spain, followed by a nerve-jangling 3–2 win in the shootout, delivered their eighth world junior crown in their 10th final appearance.
After a cagey, high-intensity start, Germany struck first in the 26th minute through Justus Warweg, finishing a well-worked field move. Spain, who dominated the opening quarter with five penalty corners, finally broke through in the 33rd minute when Nicolás Mustaros equalised.
With both goalkeepers, Jasper Ditzer for Germany and Diego Palomero for Spain, producing critical stops, the match stayed locked at 1–1 through full time. The shootout went the distance, all the way to the 10th attempt.
Germany stumbled early, missing their first two attempts, but steadied through conversions by Benedikt Geyer, Alec von Schwerin, and captain Ben Hasbach. Ditzer then delivered the decisive moment, smothering Andrés Medina’s final attempt to spark jubilant scenes in the German dugout.
Spain made it incredibly hard for us. We didn’t have the best of our days in possession, but the boys always believed we could win in the shootout. We’re not thinking about the seven titles before, just celebrating this one. I’m incredibly proud.
India 4–2 Argentina: Hosts Rally From 0–2 Down to Claim Bronze
For three quarters, Argentina kept the home crowd silent as they controlled the tempo and built a 2–0 lead through Nicolás Rodríguez’s early penalty stroke and Santiago Fernández’s third-quarter strike. India created chances, four penalty corners in the third quarter alone—but failed to convert, leaving them with a mountain to climb.
Then came one of the tournament’s most explosive turnarounds.
With 15 minutes left, India ignited a roaring comeback driven by set-piece precision and relentless pressure. Ankit Pal finally broke Argentina’s resistance in the 49th minute, Manmeet Singh levelled scores three minutes later, and the stadium erupted. As momentum swung sharply, India earned a late penalty stroke in the 57th minute, calmly converted by Sharda Nand Tiwari for a 3–2 lead. One minute later, Anmol Ekka buried a penalty-corner rebound to seal a famous 4–2 victory.
It’s fantastic. At least we have a medal to show. Down 0–2 and then to come back in the fourth quarter and win 4–2, credit goes to the players. They stood tall.
The bronze ensures India finish on the podium for the fourth time in the event’s history.
Other Results: France Finish 7th; Belgium Take 5th in Shootout Classic
France secured seventh place with a 4–1 victory over New Zealand, led by a brace from Tom Gaillard. Captain Gaspard Denis said his team “defended very well” but admitted some disappointment with their overall finish.
Belgium claimed fifth place after a thrilling 3 (4)–3 (3) shootout win over the Netherlands, powered by Hugo Labouchere’s hat-trick and two clutch saves from goalkeeper Alexis van Havere. Captain Lucas Balthazar said the team “played a very strong game” and was satisfied to end the tournament on a high.
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