Germany men will attempt to land their third Junior Hockey World Cup title in four editions after ousting home hopes India in Bhubaneswar.
The Germans will play Argentina in Sunday’s final after beating India 4-2, the South American side overcoming France in a shoot-out.
In Sunday’s final Argentina and Germany will be meeting each other for the second time after the European team beat the South American side in a tight 4-3 pool match.
As such, Sunday’s match has the hallmarks of a classic encounter.
On Friday, it was Germany who got the advantage in the opening quarter when Eric Kleinlein slotted home from a penalty corner. That lead was doubled in the 21 minute when Philip Holzmüller scored.
Germany scored twice more – through Julius Hayner and Kleinlein again – and any Indian attacking moves were closed down by the German defence. Goals from Surdeep Chimarko and Boby Dhami were little more than consolation goals.
Earlier, heroics by Nehuen Hernando in the Argentina goal was the difference separating the two combatants in the first semi-final.
Hernando saved the first French attempt by Antonin Igua but Argentina’s advantage was lost when Zarate saw his attempt fly wide.
Corentin Sellier then stepped up for France but Hernando again held his nerve to keep the striker out and it was Bautista Capurro who coolly scored his attempt and sent his side through to the final.
