Defending Champions Netherlands make a stunning comeback to clinch their fifth Junior Women’s World Cup title

Lausanne, Switzerland: Guts, Gumption, Glory! Today, every Dutch must have felt stones under their feet and walls around them sweat in anticipation.

Probably, a game that will be etched in the hearts of hockey lovers throughout their lives. Coming back from a 2-0 deficit to drawing levels to winning the shootout, Netherlands did the undoable to defend their trophy. The third-place face-off was a one-sided affair as Belgium beat England by a commanding 7-0 margin.

Let’s have a quick round-up of the final day of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup.

Spain vs Japan (Full-Time Score: 2-4)

Japan secured 7th place in the 16-team competition by defeating Spain in their designated classification match. Sana Hayasuke scored a brace to ensure victory for Japan.

Spain was ahead in the game till the first quarter as they were up by 2-1, but the tables turned as Japan came with fresh and renewed energy after the first 15 minutes and started putting a lot of pressure on the Spanish defense. Spain got 8 penalty corners but failed to convert any of them!

Sana Hayasuke was also declared as the Player of the Match for the two brilliant goals she scored. "We tried hard but couldn't reach the semi-finals but we are happy that we could sign off our campaign with a win," said Sana.

Germany vs Australia (Full-Time Score: 0-2)

It was a day of missed opportunities for Germany as they got six penalty corners compared to Australia's one. They missed all of the six while the Aussies converted the only opportunity they got.

Amy Lawton, who has been a star for Australia in the entire tournament, opened up the scoring in the 25th minute while Grace Young scored off a penalty corner eight minutes later. Australia finished 5th while the Germans finished below them in the rankings.

"The whole dream was about lifting the World Cup. When we lost in the quarter-finals, we were clear that we wanted to finish 5th. We are happy that we could achieve our goal," said Player of the Match Grace Young.

England vs Belgium (Full-Time Score: 0-7)

It was a well-deserved win for Belgium who have been in prolific form throughout the tournament as they toppled the England defense with some classy goals. Astrid Bonami starred for Belgium with five goals to her name. With this, she became the highest goal scorer of the tournament with a whopping 11 goals.

The other two goals were scored by Lousie Dewaet (39’) and Perrine De Clerck (45’). England’s bad form continued as they failed to perform in both attack and defense.

“What an amazing team, what an amazing tournament! There are no better feelings than to finish at the podium of a World Cup. We are happy with how we performed as a unit” said Player of the Match Astrid Bonami.

Netherlands vs Argentina [Full-Time Score: 2-2 (Shoot-out Score: 4-1)]

Fierce competition, sheer adrenaline rush, and some great hockey, probably these were the things that defined the final of the Women’s Junior World Cup. Mikki Roberts, what a player! A player who turned the game in a few minutes with her two brilliant PC conversions, announcing herself on the world stage.

Zoe Diaz and Valentina Raposo’s goals put Argentina up by 2-0 in the first half, but the second half belonged to the Netherlands. Interestingly, all four goals in the match came off penalty corners. Dutch custodian Sophia Ter Kuile showed her calmness and precision as she saved the first two shootouts while her teammates converted all four chances that they got, making sure they returned home with that glittering trophy.

“When we went inside the dressing after being 2-0 down, we were still confident that we can win this. Everyone came out strong and gave their best. Probably we all have played one of the best games of our lives,” said Player of the Match Mikki Roberts.

To see the final rankings of all the teams, click here.

FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023 – 10 December 2023

Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional

Result: 7th-8th Place Classification Match

Spain 2-4 Japan

Player of the Match: Sana Hayasuke (JPN)

Umpires: Kamile Mockaityte (LTU) and Jianjun Chen (CHN)

Result: 5th-6th Place Classification Match

Germany 0-2 Australia

Player of the Match: Grace Young (AUS)

Umpires: Sandra Adell (ESP) and Minami Inamoto (JPN)

Result: Bronze Medal