Germany snuff out French challenge to retain Junior World Cup crown

Defending champions Germany were offered a stiff resistance by France before they snuffed out their challenge 5-2 riding on a robust second half performance to win the 10^th FIH Junior Men’s World Cup hockey tournament at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

Germany kickstarted proceedings on a blistering note, with Niklas Wellen rattling the French cage in the second minute of play.

France, who upstaged much fancied sides like Belgium and Malaysia en route to the final, leveled things in the 16^th minute when Gaspart Baumgarten scored and that’s how the scoreline remained at half-time.

An upset looked on the cards when Gaspart Baumgarten profited from a penalty corner early in the second to give France a 2-l lead.

The French joy was shortlived as Niklas Wellen choose to make a statement – he first equalized in the 44^th minute before scoring another two minutes later to cap off a fine hat-trick.

Pumped up by two quick goals, Germany slipped into fifth gear – Jonas Gomoll netted the fourth goal in the 60^th minute before highly rated Christoper Ruhr rounded off the win racking up the fifth goal with two minutes remaining for the final hooter.

Despite the loss, France must be applauded for finishing runners-up as no one expected them to come this far.