🏑 Dec 6 at Chennai: Ireland’s Set-Piece Masterclass, England Outplay Australia, Malaysia Run Riot and Japan Stun Chile
Chennai, Tamil Nadu — December 6, 2025.
The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium witnessed a marathon day of 9–12 and 13–16 classification battles at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, as Ireland, England, Malaysia and Japan emerged victorious in four high-intensity encounters. The day showcased the full range of junior hockey — ruthless penalty corners, late clinchers, attacking avalanches and clinical counterattacks.
🇿🇦 South Africa 2–4 Ireland — Penalty Corners Power Irish Surge
Ireland produced a textbook set-piece performance to overpower South Africa 4–2 in the 9–12 classification match under the lights.
After a cagey first quarter, Ireland struck first in the 16th minute through a penalty corner to take a 1–0 lead at halftime. The match turned decisively in the third period when Ireland scored twice — another penalty corner in the 36th minute followed by a field goal in the 42nd minute to race ahead 3–0.
South Africa finally broke through in the 45th minute with a field goal to reduce it to 3–1, but Ireland immediately restored control with yet another penalty corner in the 50th minute, extending the margin to 4–1. A late South African field goal in the 59th minute only changed the scoreline cosmetically.
👉 Final Score: South Africa 2–4 Ireland
Ireland’s ability to convert pressure into penalty-corner goals proved the decisive factor.
🏴 England 3–1 Australia — Late English Burst Sinks the Aussies
In one of the most anticipated classification clashes, England defeated Australia 3–1, finishing with authority after a tense middle phase.
England drew first blood early with a penalty corner in the 8th minute to lead 1–0 at halftime. Australia struck back in the 43rd minute through a sharp field goal, equalising the contest at 1–1.
From that moment, England lifted their tempo. A 46th-minute field goal restored their lead at 2–1, and deep into stoppage time, England sealed the contest with another field goal in the 60th minute, completing a mature, high-pressure performance.
👉 Final Score: England 3–1 Australia
England’s late-game composure broke Australian resistance.
🇲🇾 Malaysia 7–3 Switzerland — Attacking Avalanche in 13–16 Clash
Malaysia delivered the most explosive attacking performance of the day, storming past Switzerland 7–3 in the 13–16 classification match.
Malaysia struck twice inside six minutes via back-to-back penalty corners to establish a 2–0 lead. Switzerland answered in the 13th minute with a penalty corner, but Malaysia replied with a penalty stroke (19’) and a field goal (21’) to lead 4–1 at halftime.
The onslaught continued after the break. Malaysia added:
- 37’ — Penalty Corner (5–2)
- 43’ — Field Goal (6–2)
- 46’ — Field Goal (7–2)
Switzerland managed one more goal via a 53rd-minute penalty corner, but the result was already beyond doubt.
👉 Final Score: Malaysia 7–3 Switzerland
A relentless Malaysian attack overwhelmed the European defence.
🇨🇱 Chile 1–3 Japan — Samurai Precision Ends Chilean Run
Japan produced a calm, clinical display to defeat Chile 3–1, producing one of their most complete performances of the tournament.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Japan struck first in the 24th minute with a field goal to go 1–0 up. Chile responded strongly in the 34th minute, equalising through a field goal to make it 1–1.
Japan, however, seized control in the third period. Two quick field goals in the 43rd and 48th minutes turned the match decisively in their favour, sealing a commanding 3–1 win.
👉 Final Score: Chile 1–3 Japan
Japan’s counterattacking efficiency proved decisive.
âś… Day 6 Summary at Chennai
- Set-piece kings: Ireland (3 penalty-corner goals vs South Africa)
- Late finish specialists: England (two goals after the 46th minute)
- Biggest goal rush: Malaysia (7 goals in 60 minutes)
- Best counterattack display: Japan vs Chile
With classification positions tightening, December 6 became a defining day for team depth, discipline and execution. While the gold-medal race commands headlines, these matches proved the global depth of junior hockey — where every placing matters and every goal carries long-term meaning.
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