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India vs Belgium: Can Junior Hockey Stars Continue Their Dominant Run?

The Indian junior men's hockey team is riding high after a perfect group stage. They now face a major step up in competition against Belgium in the quarterfinals. Coach PR Sreejesh acknowledges that the real tournament begins with this challenging match. The team is confident but knows they must be at their best to advance.

Key Points: India Junior Hockey Team Faces Belgium in World Cup Quarterfinal

  • India scored a tournament-high 29 goals in dominant group stage victories
  • Team faces its first real test against a strong Belgian side in the quarterfinals
  • Coach Sreejesh believes the big wins were crucial for building team momentum
  • Captain Rohit says the team is confident and ready to give their all against Belgium
3 min read

Men's Junior World Cup: Confident India ready for Belgium challenge in quarterfinals

India's junior men's hockey team, high on confidence after scoring 29 goals, prepares for a tough quarterfinal clash against traditional rivals Belgium in Chennai.

"We are looking forward to a good contest. Belgium is a strong side, and our campaign truly starts now. - PR Sreejesh, India Coach"

Chennai, Dec 4

The Indian junior men's hockey team will face traditional rivals Belgium in the quarterfinals of the prestigious FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 to be played at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, on Friday.

The PR Sreejesh-coached India side has been mercurial in the round-robin stage, notching up significant victories, albeit against sides that are not traditionally strong in hockey. They beat Chile 7-0, Oman 17-0, and Switzerland 5-0. The team's goalkeepers have hardly been tested against these sides, while the team's attack has had a golden run, scoring a total of 29 goals -- the highest by any team in the tournament so far.

But against Belgium, they will be tested. The team came into the quarterfinals after finishing second in pool D, behind Spain. They beat Namibia 12-1 in their first match, lost to Spain 0-2, and beat Egypt 10-0.

In the 2021 Junior World Cup in Odisha, India beat Belgium in a 1-0 close encounter, and in the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow, they beat Belgium 2-1. Though the two junior sides haven't played each other much in recent times, both nations are powerhouses in hockey with strong domestic structure and U-21 programme - making the contest a feisty one.

Speaking about the match, Sreejesh said, "We are looking forward to a good contest. Belgium is a strong side, and our campaign truly starts now. The big wins in the round robin stage were needed to set the right momentum for the tournament and shake off any nerves of a big tournament. I feel the players are ready for the challenge."

India Colts skipper Rohit too emphasised the team being upbeat. "For some of us, this is the second Junior World Cup, but for many in the team, they are playing this prestigious tournament for the first time, and naturally, there would be some nerves. But I think the way we have played the first three matches has given us confidence, and we know our potential. We will give it our all against Belgium," Rohit said.

India will play the quarterfinals in Chennai on December 5.

Earlier, the Indian junior men's hockey team eased its way into the quarterfinals of the Men's Junior World Cup after its unbeaten run in the round-robin league stage. On Tuesday, the team convincingly beat Switzerland 5-0 at the Madurai International Hockey Stadium.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The article rightly points out that the earlier matches weren't against traditionally strong sides. The real tournament begins now. Sreejesh as coach is a huge advantage though. His experience in high-pressure games is invaluable.
V
Vikram M
Belgium is always a tough opponent, but our junior team has a good record against them. The 2021 and 2016 wins should give the boys a psychological edge. Just need to convert the chances and defend set-pieces well. Jai Hind!
P
Priya S
While the big wins are great for confidence, I hope the team isn't overconfident. Belgium's loss to Spain shows they have weaknesses we can exploit. Our midfield control will be key. Wishing the Colts all the luck from Chennai!
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Rohit P
Captain Rohit's point about first-timers having nerves is valid. But scoring 17 goals in a match must have shaken off any stage fright! The team looks united. Let's back them fully. The stadium in Chennai will be roaring!
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Michael C
Respectful criticism: The article mentions the goalkeepers were hardly tested. That's a genuine concern. Belgium will have studied our attack. Our defense needs to be as sharp as our forward line for us to progress. A tight 2-1 win, I predict.

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