Junior Hockey World Cup: India could not even win bronze medal, France beat 1-3
Defending champions India failed to clinch a podium place at the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup after losing 1-3 to France in a bronze medal play-off on Sunday after their title hopes were shattered. French captain Timothy Clement again stunned the hosts with a hat-trick and won the bronze medal. Clement converted three penalty corners for France in the 26th, 34th and 47th minutes while Sudip Chiramaco scored the only goal for India in the 42nd minute. This was the second successive flop show for the Indians after their excellent performance against Belgium in the quarterfinals.
The third-fourth place match was an opportunity for India to avenge their 4-5 loss to France in the opening match of the tournament but it did not happen. The European team continued to dominate the hosts with their scintillating performances. The French team was much better on the pitch, taking control after a slow start in the first quarter and conceding 14 penalty corners. On the other hand, the Indian team could only get three penalty corners. India started off well and put pressure on France’s defensive line in the first quarter as they got a penalty corner in the very first minute of the match but the hosts failed to capitalize on it.
The Indians kept trying and the team came close to the lead in the 12th minute when Arijit Singh Hundal tried from over the circle, but it hit the post. France pushed hard at the end of the first quarter and got three penalty corners in a row. But the Indian defensive line kept its rivals away. France continued to attack in the second quarter as well. In the third minute of the second quarter, he got another penalty corner which was not successful. India also created some chances but they failed inside the French circle.
France continued to put pressure on India’s defensive line and secured a fifth penalty corner in the 26th minute which Clement converted into a goal with a low drag-flick and Indian goalkeeper Prashant Chauhan could not do anything. In the third quarter, France got five penalty corners. The last of which was converted into a goal by Clement to give the European team a 2-0 lead. A few minutes later, India got a penalty corner but Sharadanand Tiwari’s flick was wide. A few seconds later, Sudeep’s close effort was saved by the French goalkeeper.
Sudeep narrowed the gap with a field goal in the 24th minute and raised a ray of hope. But France continued to attack and secured the 11th penalty corner in the 47th minute. Once again Clement scored on it. France nowhere de-escalated the pressure from the Indian defensive line, getting three more penalty corners but could not extend the lead. Sudeep got a great chance a few minutes later but Arijit Singh Hundal’s pass went wide. India got another chance to close the gap from a penalty corner but vice-captain Sanjay Kumar’s flick was well defended by France.
