Spain will meet France and Germany face India in the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
First up, the Germans knocked out defending champions Argentina in a 2-1 thriller.
The Germans were eventually rewarded for their dominance in the third quarter, Hugo von Montgelas turning his marker inside out at the top of the circle and firing home.
Soon after, Paul Glander shaped up for a drag flick and slipped it left for Jakob Brilla to rocket home for a two-goal lead. Agustin Bonanno got one back to set up a nail-biting finish but the German defence held firm around Onyekwue.
Player of the match Matteo Poljaric said: “It was a crazy emotional game. I think we had a really, really good first half and we kept on fighting. They had many PCs, we had incredible defence on the PCs today and I think we are just happy to win this really tough fight against Argentina.”
The Netherlands bowed out to India 4-3 who fought back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to grab the victory.
France, though, produced another spectacular win as they defeated Australia 3-2. Noé Jouin’s pair of penalty corner deflections and a virtuoso goal from Gaspard Denis built a 3-0 lead and while Cooper Burns got two back, the French held on.
Jouin reflected: “Kind of a rollercoaster of emotion. I think we started not pretty good but then we scored two quick goals and that kind of put the energy very high in our team.
“Our strength throughout the tournament has been our defence, I think all the guys are ready to die on the pitch. I don’t know what to say. It’s incredible, we train all year to play these kinds of matches .”
Spain were the last side to make it through with a 4-2 win over Pakistan. They trailed at half-time but scored four times in quick succession with Pol Cabre Verdiell and Aleix Bozal scoring drag flicks within a minute of each other to go ahead.
Pablo Espino finished a good team goal and Cabre Verdiell helped built the unassailable lead.
Spanish goalkeeper Jan Capellades said: “I’m very, very happy now. I want to thank my goalkeeper trainer. I feel amazing. We want to win against France. With hard work and belief we can win it.”
** You can watch every minute of the Junior World Cup on the FIH’s Watch.Hockey platform
