Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025: India Reach Semi-Finals With A Thrilling Win In Penalty Shootout Over Belgium

 

The Indian men’s junior hockey world cup team held onto their nerves with a thrilling win over Belgium in the 4^th quarterfinals played at Major Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai on 5^th December 2025.

Belgium started on a positive note right from the first quarter with a lovely save by Indian goalkeeper Princedeep Singh. A nice aerial pass and Manmeet shot was brilliant denied by Belgium goalkeeper Van Havere Alexis. India was awarded the first penalty corner but Shardanad Tiwari shot was saved by Alexis. The Indian defense was caught off guard as Cornez Massant Gaspard scored a lovely goal in 13^th minute to give Belgium 1-0 lead.

The second quarter saw the Indian forwards making moves but could not convert it into goals. India was awarded their second penalty corner, the variations shot was well defended by Belgium. Indian team kept attacking but struggled under pressure not able to hit shots. At the end of the first half, Belgium led 1-0.

It was a attacking start for India in the third quarter with more circle penetrations but Belgium defense remained solid enough. Rosan Kujur was awarded a yellow card meaning India were one man down. The result of consistent pressure resulted in Rohit scoring from a penalty corner in the 45^th minute to level the scores for hosts at 1-1. With 0.00 seconds left, Belgium earned five penalty corners which did not yield any results. At the end of third quarter, the scores were level at 1-1.

It was a perfect start for Belgium in the first minute of fourth with a penalty corner due to shoddy defense by India. The drag flick was raised hitting Talem. Shardanad Tiwari produced lovely penalty corner in 48^th minute to give India 2-1 lead. It was end to end stuff by both teams. Belgium goalkeeper was removed with 11 attacking players. Nathan Roger scored a lovely deflection goal in the 59^th minute to help Belgium level score at 2-2. After the equalizer, Belgium bought goalkeeper back. It was a great game of hockey as the scores remained 2-2 at full time.

Princedeep Singh fouled Balthazar which was turned to penalty stroke. Hugo converted the stroke to give Belgium 1-0 lead. Gurjot took the first as the Belgium goalkeeper made an error which gave India a penalty stroke. Shardanad Tiwari shot was saved by Van Havere as India asked for review as goalkeeper removed early. Tiwari did not make any mistake the second time as the scores remained 1-1.

Hawuax made fool around spinning the ball going past Princedeep Singh to make it 2-1 for Belgium. Anmol Ekka shot was fouled again by Belgium goal before Shardanad Tiwari scored 2^nd penalty stroke to make it 2-2.

Charles scored for Belgium before the shooter to make it 3-2. Arshdeep Singh shot was tackled by Belgium goalkeeper as India asks for a review and Shardanad scored the third penalty stroke to make it 3-3.

Nathan Rogge shot was brilliantly saved by Princedeep Singh. Manmeet Singh could not convert the goal as the scores remained 3-3. Nicolas Bogaerts shot was well saved by Princedeep Singh. Ankit Pal scored the winner but Belgium goalkeeper decided to review for backstick but it remained as goal to allow India win the shootout at 4-3.

It was an amazing performance by the Indian team as they held onto important moments. Indian team will face defending champions Germany in the first semi-finals on 7^th December 2025.    

 

 

Indian Junior Men's Hockey team beat Belgium by 4-3 in penalty shootout during 4th quarterfinals against Belgium.