Germany Crowned Champions in a Night of Nerve and Glory: A Shootout Masterclass Seals the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup 2025 Title in Chennai
Chennai, December 10 — Under the floodlights of the historic Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, with Thousands of voices echoing through the humid night air, Germany lifted the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 after a breathtaking 3–2 shootout victory over Spain. The contest, as dramatic as a World Cup final can script itself, ended 1–1 in regulation before Germany produced a display of elite composure in the shootout to reclaim junior hockey supremacy.
A Final Defined by Precision and Patience
The opening phases were a tactical chessboard. Germany, disciplined and structured, absorbed Spain’s early flare, while Spain probed with their signature possession-heavy rhythm. The first period ended 0–0, both sides refusing to blink in the face of enormous stakes.
But the match cracked open in the 26th minute. A moment of brilliance from Justus Warweg (Shirt No. 7) saw him break free and finish cleanly, handing Germany a well-earned 1–0 lead. The stadium roared as the German bench erupted. Spain regrouped, refusing to fade.
And their resilience paid off immediately in the third period. In the 33rd minute, Nicolas Mustaros (No. 9) pierced through the German defense and delivered a sublime equalizer—1–1, setting the stage for a thriller that refused to yield a winner in regular time.
A Shootout for the Ages
The shootout was no less than a dramatized epic staged under Chennai’s electric atmosphere. Page 2 of the official report lays out the sequence of nerve-wracking attempts, each one echoing through the stadium.
Germany’s opening two attempts were denied by Spain’s sharp goalkeeper Diego Palomero (No. 25), shifting early momentum towards Spain. But champions emerge when pressure peaks, and Germany did exactly that.
- Benedikt Geyer (No. 24) stepped up and buried Germany’s first shootout goal.
- Alec von Schwerin (No. 42) followed with a clinical finish.
- And finally, captain Ben Hasbach (No. 3) delivered the knockout blow with a composed, ice-cold conversion.
Spain, meanwhile, fought valiantly—Pablo Roman (No. 19) and Juan Prado (No. 11) converting under pressure—but Germany’s defensive steel and the brilliant presence of goalkeeper Jasper Ditzer (No. 77) sealed a 3–2 triumph.
A Championship Built on Grit, Discipline, and Big Moments
The final wasn’t just technical excellence—it was emotional theatre. On page 1 of the match sheet, the cards tell part of the story: Germany’s physical intensity saw Titus Wex (No. 12), Ferdinand Steinebach (No. 18) and Johann Wehnert (No. 23) all serve time, while Spain’s captain Guiu Corominas (No. 4) picked up a late green. These weren’t moments of ill-discipline but snapshots of a match contested at the highest competitive edge.
Coach Mirko Stenzel marshaled Germany with masterful clarity, rotating seamlessly between defensive assurance and attacking bursts. Spain, under Oriol Torras Puig, showcased flair, courage, and a tactical identity that will serve them for years.
A Chennai Finale for the History Books
As fireworks exploded into the night sky above the stadium, Germany’s young warriors lifted the World Cup trophy—an image that will live long in the memories of fans who witnessed the spectacle.
This final wasn’t merely a match; it was modern junior hockey at its absolute peak: poised, powerful, emotional, and technically exquisite.
Germany leaves Chennai as worthy world champions. Spain leave as warriors who never wilted. And the 2025 Junior World Cup concludes as one of the most elevated, enthralling editions the sport has ever seen.
Special congratulations to FIH, Tamil Nadu government, SDAT, Hockey India, Hockey India and all international team players, coaches, and officials for having a flawless tournament at Chennai and Madurai!
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