In the end when curtains fell on the Junior World Cup Hockey tournament, irrespective of the team you were supporting you could not help but feel for the poor Germans. For they played really well throughout the tournament but hit a wall when it mattered the most, lost to Argentina in the final and helped the South American country to lift the title for the second time in the annals of the tournament. Tragically, this was Germany’s solitary loss in the world cup, prompting me to think whether the game’s governing body should mull about the possibility of introducing the best of three finals, like in cricket, in hockey as well, or am I crossing my wires a little bit over here?
Now coming to the tournament held in Bhubaneswar, it was a rip-roaring success despite barring crowd entry due to the ubiquitous Coronavirus. This can be used as a model example by Odisha capital while jointly holding senior men’s World Cup in 2023 with Rourkela. There were several positive components to take home from the tournament. So, let us focus on the brighter aspects.
Indian Team Has A Lot To Work On
India’s performance was neither awful nor excellent as it fell in the mixed category. Their lack of experience in the international arena stood out starkly in the World Cup, especially against the resolute French team. Though they defeated Belgium in the Quarterfinal the team eventually lost third place to France, its second successive loss to the same team in the tournament. However, despite all the setbacks India were the most attacking side in the world cup with 175 circle entries.
Lackluster Pak & Small Teams Disappoint Big-time
If an erstwhile powerhouse like India flattered only to deceive, then another strong outfit Pakistan had a sub-par outing. The Asian neighbour did not even make it to the quarters and the loss against a spirited but innocuous South Africa in the league game would haunt them for a while. As for minnows such as the US, Canada and Egypt the International Hockey Federation needs to seriously think about improving their playing standards after some embarrassingly bad shows by the teams.
A Record Fest
The tournament also saw several records getting broken. With 327 goals from 48 matches, the 2021 World Cup had the record number of goals, surpassing the previous best of 223 in 2013 from 44 games. This apart, the tournament also created new benchmarks in terms of goals scored and the victory margin. Despite a dismal performance, Pakistan made merry against the hapless USA by defeating the latter 18-2 in a classification match. Then in another league match, Spain beat USA 17-0 to corner the biggest victory vis a vis margin in the history of tournament from Argentina, which beat Egypt 14-0 on the same day.
Overcame Hurdles With Panache
There were several odds stacked against conducting the event smoothly in the city. Covid-induced travel norms forced teams such as Australia, New Zealand to opt-out. Naysayers were having a field day prior to the tournament. However, apart from a single Covid positive case, the tournament did not witness any other problem. Corona concerns apart, Cyclone Jawad turned out to be another headache. However, the event finally concluded on December 5 sans any crisis despite the avalanche of threats.
