The German junior hockey team once again demonstrated why they are considered giants of the sport, showcasing nerves of steel to secure a place in the semifinals of the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup. In a high-pressure quarterfinal clash at Chennai's Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday, the defending champions overcame a resilient French side 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2 in regular time.
Ditzer the Hero in Goal for Germany
While the seven-time champions were not at their fluid best, they found their saviour between the posts. Goalkeeper Jasper Ditzer emerged as the undisputed match-winner, first making a series of vital saves during normal time and then rising to the occasion in the shootout. Ditzer made three decisive stops against the French takers, single-handedly steering his team into the final four. This victory marks Germany's 13th appearance in the Junior World Cup semifinals in the tournament's 14 editions, a staggering record of consistency.
A Rollercoaster Match in Regulation Time
The match followed a tense and unpredictable script. Against the run of play, Ferdinand Steinebach initiated a stunning counter-attack for Germany, carrying the ball the length of the pitch before setting up Alec von Schwerin. Von Schwerin expertly shook off his marker and slammed the ball home with a powerful tomahawk strike in the 30th minute.
France, however, displayed tremendous character and hit back almost immediately. They earned a penalty corner and converted it expertly to level the score. The German response came six minutes later when Paul Glander found the net from a penalty corner in the 36th minute, restoring his team's lead. France fought back once more to force a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time, setting the stage for the shootout drama.
Spain's Last-Gasp Victory Sets Up Argentina Clash
In another thrilling quarterfinal, Spain booked their semifinal berth with a last-minute winner against a valiant New Zealand side. The Kiwis found themselves in a deep hole early on, conceding three goals in the first quarter. Displaying remarkable grit, the Oceania champions staged a spectacular comeback to level the scores at 3-3. Just as the match seemed headed for a shootout, Spain struck the decisive blow in the final minute to win 4-3.
Spain will now face Argentina in the semifinals. The Argentines secured their spot with a narrow but effective 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.
The German juggernaut, powered by Ditzer's heroics, rolls on in Chennai. Their quest for an eighth junior world title remains alive as they prepare for the next hurdle in the semifinals.
