Chennai, Dec 7 (NationPress) The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team experienced a significant defeat, losing 1-5 to the reigning champions Germany in the semifinal of the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup held in Tamil Nadu 2025.

India's lone goal was scored by Anmol Ekka in the 51st minute, while Germany's goals came from Lukas Kossel (14', 30'), Titus Wex (15'), Jonas von Gersum (40'), and Ben Hasbach (49').

Germany initiated the game with strong aggression, maintaining pressure and forcing India to remain in their own half. Although India initially managed to withstand the pressure and attempted to organize from the back, they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.

In the third minute, Germany almost scored as Justus Warweg intercepted the ball in a threatening area, but Indian goalkeeper Princedeep Singh made a remarkable early save.

In the 14th minute, Germany earned their first Penalty Corner when Quirin Nahr took a shot, which was blocked by Ankit Pal with his body, leading to a successful Penalty Stroke conversion by Lukas Kossel (14'), giving Germany an essential lead.

Just a minute later, India conceded another unfortunate goal as a pass from Titus Wex (15') was accidentally deflected by Sunil Palakshappa Bennur's foot into the net, marking the end of the first quarter.

India regrouped and improved in the second quarter, increasing ball possession and controlling the midfield better, but they still failed to challenge the German goalkeeper.

Before halftime, Germany secured their second Penalty Corner, which was again converted by Lukas Kossel (30'), who skillfully placed the ball into the bottom left corner, extending Germany's lead.

India's first notable attempt came in the 34th minute, with Ajeet Yadav skillfully bypassing two German defenders, but his powerful shot was saved by goalkeeper Jasper Ditzer.

Two minutes later, Germany earned another Penalty Corner, but Paul Glander's flick was off-target. In the 40th minute, Indian forward Arshdeep Singh showcased his 3D skills but failed to surpass the advancing German goalkeeper.

Seconds later, Jannik Enaux navigated through the Indian defense and assisted Alec von Schwerin, leading to Jonas von Gersum (40') tapping the ball into an open net, marking Germany's fourth goal.

Four minutes into the final quarter, Germany executed a long aerial pass to Ben Hasbach (49'), who skillfully dribbled around Princedeep Singh to score.

Shortly after, India secured their first Penalty Corner, which they converted for their first goal. Following the injection, Captain Rohit played a clever pass to Anmol Ekka (51'), who caught the German defense off guard with a powerful shot that found the net.

Germany then shifted to a defensive strategy for the remainder of the match, while India sought another goal but failed to break through again.

Looking ahead, India is set to face Argentina in the 3rd/4th place match on Wednesday.