Hockey : England, Australia, Malaysia and Chile Shine as Classification Battles Heat Up at FIH Junior World Cup 2025
The classification phase of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 delivered a gripping day of high-intensity action at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai, as England, Australia, Malaysia and Chile emerged victorious in their respective matches on Tuesday. With reputations, rankings and future momentum on the line, teams displayed immense tactical discipline and youthful flair on a thrilling evening of world-class junior hockey.
England Defeat Ireland 2–0 in 9th–10th Place Playoff
England produced a composed and professional display to beat Ireland 2–0 in the 9th–10th classification match played at 8:00 PM. England dominated early proceedings and converted their pressure into tangible rewards with two first-half goals.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute, when England earned a penalty stroke, calmly slotted home to take a 1–0 lead. The second goal followed swiftly in the 23rd minute through a penalty corner conversion, doubling England’s advantage before halftime. Despite Ireland’s spirited effort in the second half, England’s defence stood tall to seal a deserved clean-sheet victory.
With this result, England claimed 9th place in the tournament, signing off their World Cup campaign with confidence and discipline.
Australia Outclass South Africa 4–2 in 11th–12th Playoff
Earlier in explain the day, Australia delivered a sharp attacking performance to defeat South Africa 4–2 in the 11th–12th classification match at 5:30 PM. The match was locked at 0–0 at the end of the first quarter, before Australia struck in the 22nd minute through a fine field goal to open the scoring.
South Africa responded strongly with a penalty corner equaliser in the 30th minute, sending the match into halftime at 1–1. The third quarter, however, belonged to Australia. Two quick goals — a field goal in the 35th minute and a penalty corner in the 51st — pushed the Aussies firmly into control. Another penalty corner in the 55th minute extended their lead to 4–1 before South Africa pulled one back with a late field goal in the 57th minute.
Australia’s attacking depth and penalty corner efficiency proved decisive as they secured 11th place in the tournament.
Malaysia Edge Japan in Shootout After 1–1 Thriller
In one of the most dramatic encounters of the day, Malaysia defeated Japan 3–0 in the shootout after both teams were locked at 1–1 at the end of regulation time in the 13th–14th place playoff.
Malaysia broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through a well-worked penalty corner, catching the Japanese defence off guard. Japan refused to fold and produced a late surge in the final quarter. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute, when they found the equaliser through a composed field goal, forcing the match into a shootout.
In the shootout, Malaysia were flawless, converting all three attempts, while the Japanese attackers were denied on every try by sharp goalkeeping and defensive pressure. Malaysia clinched 13th place, while Japan settled for 14th after a hard-fought contest.
Chile Shock Switzerland 2–1 in 15th–16th Classification Match
Chile delivered one of their most determined performances of the tournament as they edged past Switzerland 2–1 in the 15th–16th place playoff held at 12:30 PM.
Switzerland struck first in the 18th minute through a well-executed penalty corner, putting Chile under early pressure. However, Chile responded admirably with a field goal in the 25th minute to draw level before halftime. The decisive moment came in the 40th minute, when Chile struck again with another clinical field goal, sending their bench into celebration.
Chile defended resolutely in the final quarter, denying Switzerland any late comeback chances and securing 15th place in the global junior tournament.
Tamil Nadu 2025 — A Growing Global Hockey Hub
With Chennai and Madurai jointly hosting the championship, the FIH Junior World Cup has brought together the next generation of international hockey stars in Tamil Nadu. The quality of classification clearly reflects the depth of talent across nations, even beyond the title contenders. From England’s structured defence to Australia’s attacking prowess and Malaysia’s shootout nerve, every team showcased the future of world hockey.
As the tournament approaches its final stretch, fans across India continue to witness high-octane hockey under lights, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s growing reputation as a major destination for international sports.
Follow BiGG Sports News for more sports stories
About the Author
