The match had been highly anticipated, pitting the world’s No. 1 and No. 2-ranked junior sides against each other. However, any expectation of a close contest was immediately shattered, as Germany needed less than a minute to demonstrate the gulf in class and composure.

The burden of national expectation appeared to weigh heavily on the young Indian side, which crumpled under the pressure. It took a frustrating 34 minutes for India to muster a genuine scoring threat, which then went begging as Roshan Kujur misfired an attempted tomahawk from the top of the D.

Before even the first hooter went off, PR Sreejesh’s squad was already two goals adrift, courtesy of a devastating German surge in the last two minutes of the opening period.

India’s quarterfinal hero, goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh, initially proved instrumental, making three world-class saves to keep the scoreline level until the 13th minute amid relentless pressure from Die Honamas. The Indian defence finally cracked, conceding a Penalty Corner (PC). The resulting drag-flick from Quirin Nahr struck postman Ankit Pal, leading the umpire to award a Penalty Stroke. Lukas Kossel calmly converted from the spot, despite Prince Deep choosing the correct direction.

The opening goal visibly deflated the Indian players. In a mere 68 seconds, the seven-time champion doubled its advantage, silencing the vociferous Chennai crowd. Titus Wex’s slap shot from the right edge of the D deflected off Sunil Palakshappa Bennur’s boot, nutmegging Prince Deep.

Germany continued its clinical demolition job early in the second quarter, with Kossel bagging his second goal of the contest from a precise drag-flick from a PC.

Whatever was discussed in Sreejesh’s halftime team talk failed to spark a miracle, as India conceded two further goals in quick succession to Jonas von Gersum and Ben Hasbach. The Indian players’ apparent lack of spatial awareness became evident, failing to mount any significant resistance after the initial 13 minutes of the game.

With just 10 minutes left in the final quarter, India finally earned its first PC. Anmol Ekka duly converted, offering a small consolation goal and a brief glimmer of hope for the retreating spectators. However, at 1-5, the deficit was insurmountable.

Germany has now booked its 10th final appearance in 14 editions of the tournament. For the Blue Colts, this marks the third consecutive Junior World Cup where their semifinal hopes have been crushed by Germany. It will now face Argentina for the bronze medal on Wednesday.