Bhubaneswar: India’s Junior World Cup campaign came to a close with the players on their knees, heads in their hands, and joyous French players dancing and celebrating all around them. France defeated India 3-1 in the bronze medal match of the ongoing FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Odisha on Sunday, putting an end to the title defence campaign.
The biggest upset of the tournament occurred when France beat India in the opening group-stage match. But, after winning the third-place playoff 3-1 on Sunday, it felt like the most logical outcome. The conclusion of the final, though, was not so apparent.
Timothee Clement, the French captain, scored his fourth hat trick of the tournament, and his second against India. India’s Sudeep Chirmako scored in the third quarter, but the reigning champs couldn’t overcome France’s dominance on the night. The way in which Argentina outwitted six-time Junior World Cup winners Germany 4-2 in a final for the ages, on the other hand, was breathtaking.
Celebrations continue for #losleoncitos, who have emerged victorious at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2021.
Argentina won their second Hockey Junior World Cup title after a 4-2 win over Germany. #RisingStars #JWC2021 #HockeyInvites @ArgFieldHockey pic.twitter.com/8MsnLGq35j
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) December 5, 2021
Both outcomes have a lot of ramifications in the future, since they reveal the clubs who might threaten the top of the heap. However, the Indian colts fought their hardest to defend their title, and although they did not win the trophy, they gained valuable experience that will undoubtedly help them improve their game.
With that, the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Odisha came to an end, displayed a great deal of hockey.
