Defending champions Argentina and six-time winner Germany will go head-to-head in the first quarterfinals of the 13th edition of the Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow. It promises all the ingredients of a classic showdown.
The match is akin to a repeat of the 2021 JWC final when the Argentines lifted the Cup following a 4-2 victory at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India.
Fans can expect another high-octane clash between both teams. The Argentinians have been riding an unbeaten wave in Pool A matches,scoring 13 goals and conceding none. The Germans signed off their last Pool B tie against Egypt with a 10-0 victory, registering the second-biggest win in the tournament.
The Belgians slammed 12 goals past the Canadians in today’s 9-16 classification match at the same venue for the biggest win.
Germany’s head coach, Rein van Eijk, said: “The most important thing is we are still in the tournament and can show our confidence and trust each other. We are not concerned about a seventh World Cup title. We take one game at a time and take all the good things in earlier matches into the quarterfinals, especially our energy.” ”
The Argentinians, coached by Juan Gilardi, a member of the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist team, said matches with Germany are always tough, and nothing is going to change. “As the defending champions, the pressure is on us, but we are confident of managing the situation. We have got everything back, our kit, confidence, and now looking forward to playing Germany.”
The Little Lions captain, Inaki Minadeo, echoed: “I feel very happy. We are proud of the team and now we have to prepare for the quarter-finals with Germany. It will be a very difficult match, but we have to play as we do and we’re prepared.
India and the Netherlands showdown will serve as a litmus test for both teams. The Dutch are the reigning EuroHockey Junior champions, while the Indians are riding high as the Junior Asia Cup winner and two-time junior world champions.
The Netherlands, have never won a JWC title since the inaugural 1979 event, but things might be in for a change this time around, now that coach Jesse Mahieu’s side is in the best form after coming through tough Pool D matches unscathed against Pakistan, Belgium, and New Zealand.
History could be created in Kuala Lumpur for the Dutch, and the first step into their journey to the final begins in the quarterfinals tomorrow.
“We are very excited to reach the quarterfinals. India is a big opponent. We have to double our efforts as the Indians are fast, very clinical in their approach, and pretty strong in penalty corners. We have to make sure we take another good step in the quarterfinals and also in our levels of play,” said Mahieu.
India’s coach C.R. Kumar is keeping his options close to his chest. The Indians arrived in Kuala Lumpur with the aim of emulating their 2016 victory and eyeing their third title. However, complacency may be the Indians’ biggest obstacle if they let their guard down.
In the prior tournament in 2021, India missed securing the bronze medal, finishing fourth, and this time they are determined to go all the way, beginning with the journey in the quarterfinals.
“We need to take our chances well and be sharp at all times. Playing against the Netherlands is going to be very challenging for both teams. They are quick and punish easily if you are not focused or make mistakes. We have seen how they play. We cannot be too confident against them,” said Kumar.
“We miss Shardanand Tiwari as he is out with Typhoid. He is among the best drag-flick specialists, and this would have been his second World Cup. We have to do with whatever material we have. The goals are coming through penalty corners, but we need to pick more,” he said.
Pakistan will look to drag-flick specialist Arbaz Ahmad for penalty corner conversions and Arshad Liaqat open play goals against Spain. The 19-year-old Arbaz has been playing a pivotal role for the inaugural 1979 JWC champions since the start of the event with 4 goals.
“I am very proud of these boys. They have worked very hard in the last couple of months. We have a complete defending and attacking structure. We are now among the top eight teams in the tournament after almost a 20-yearwait. Let’s see what comes out in the quarterfinals against Spain.
“Spain has been playing exceptionally well in the Pool C matches, and they are a very strong opponent. They are a talented team and came through with full points. We respect them, like we do all other teams. Our thoughts now are on Pakistan’s preparation for the match,” observed Oltmans.
The Australian and French quarterfinal encounter has all the spices of an exciting plot. Though the Burras are tipped to hold the edge over the French based on statistics, France coach Matthias Dierckens is not concerned with records.
The most action-packed game of the day in the JWC saw nine goals scored in the first half as France beat South Africa 5-4.
“We feel we are better placed for this campaign to achieve our goal. We have come this far having played good hockey in the pool matches and need to carry on the momentum in the quarterfinals against Australia,” said Dierckens.
The Australians will once again look to Cooper Burns, Geddes Cambell and Jake Lambeth in finding the net. For the record, the last time both nations played each other was at the 2013 JWC in New Delhi, India. The Burras won 2-0.
CLASSIC SHOWDOWNS ON THE CARD
