AHF: USA and Germany lead a balanced, tactical day that reshaped the classification routes at the Women’s Junior World Cup

The ninth day of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago delivered several decisive moments across the classification pathways, with the United States and Germany securing their places in the fifth-place play-off after narrow but authoritative wins over England and Australia. India also progressed in the race for ninth position following a shoot-out victory against Uruguay, while Spain held firm in a 1–0 performance against Japan.

In the remaining fixtures, Ireland opened the day with a win over Korea to position themselves within the 9–16 sequence, and Wales capitalised on their strongest showing of the tournament to overcome South Africa and advance to the play-off for 13th place. The day combined tactical closures, low scoring margins and strong defensive presences in the decisive phases. On Wednesday, the semi-finals will begin, with Netherlands–Belgium at 15.45 and Argentina–China at 18.00, both at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped within the Estadio Nacional.

Below is the full breakdown of all matches on Day 9 in Santiago.

Ireland vs Korea (Full-Time Score: 2–1)

In the opening match within the 9–16 classification sequence, Ireland and Korea set the tone for Day 9 with a tightly balanced first half, during which Ireland registered higher possession, more circle entries and eleven set-piece attempts on the synthetic surface. Despite that attacking volume, Korea maintained a compact structure inside their 23m, restricting internal lanes and reducing scoring options.

After the restart, Ireland consolidated their control of Q3 and converted pressure into two field goals: first through Milla Fulton in the 31st minute, and later via Eabha Curran in the 43rd, following a continuous sequence of penalty corners and high recoveries. Korea adjusted their structure in Q4, advanced more frequently and generated three PCs, one of which produced a goal from Park Seoyeon in the 54th minute. In the closing phase, Ireland managed their lead with a narrow defensive line and controlled outlets that neutralised any late Korean surge.

Ireland’s captain, Amy Handcock, expressed, “We are very happy with our performance. We could have scored a few more chances, but we are pleased with the two goals we achieved. For the next match we will prepare as always, reviewing the video and trying to improve each time. I want to thank everyone cheering from Ireland and the parents who were able to come.”

Spain vs Japan (Full-Time Score: 1–0)

In the 9–12 classification contest, Spain and Japan played a match defined by contrasting forms of possession. Spain imposed early territorial control, registering 31 circle entries and five set-piece attempts on the synthetic pitch. The only goal of the match arrived in the eighth minute, when Natalia Vilanova finished a sequence of recovery and positional attack. Japan responded with a more direct approach and counterattacking speed, but were unable to convert those transitions into deep circulation due to Spain’s disciplined defensive work.

In the second half, Spain maintained control of the tempo with a stable structure in controlled outlets, limiting Japanese progressions and avoiding concessions inside their 23m. Japan did not generate any penalty corners and had only one penalty stroke in Q1, which they failed to convert. Spain closed the match by managing possession through short attacks and a compact defence that absorbed late Japanese advances, securing the 1–0 and booking their place in Thursday’s 20.15 local-time play-off for ninth place.

Spanish goalscorer Natalia Vilanova, at full-time, expressed, “It was a very tough match in which they felt very good, but we managed to win and we are very happy; we will now fight for ninth place. I think we deserved more. We have a lot of attitude ahead of the next match; it will feel like playing a final.”

India vs Uruguay (Full-Time Score: 1–1, SO: 3–1)

India took the initiative in the second 9–12 classification match at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped of the Estadio Nacional, holding more possession and producing eleven circle entries in the first half. After an initially balanced phase, the Asian side opened the scoring in the 18th minute through a field goal by Manisha, following their first penalty corner and sustained pressure on the right side of the circle. Uruguay responded with quick outlets and a penalty corner in Q1, but could not transform their forward movements into clear shots on Nidhi’s goal.

After half-time, India maintained their offensive structure, generating eight additional circle entries and two penalty corners, while Uruguay retreated into their 23m to contain the opposition’s combinations. In the final minutes, Uruguay advanced their lines, obtained three penalty corners and, in the last minute, forced a penalty stroke that Justina Arregui converted to level the match 1–1 and send it to the shoot-out. In the shoot-out, India scored through Purnima Yadav, Ishika and Siwach Kanika, while Uruguay’s only goal came from Agustina Guerrero. In the decisive attempt, Sol Myszka faced the Indian goalkeeper from a reduced angle, and the defensive read forced an off-target finish wide of the left post. With the win, India will contest the ninth-place play-off against Spain, while Uruguay will meet Japan for 11th place.

Wales vs South Africa (Full-Time Score: 2–0)

In the fourth match of a ninth consecutive day of action in Santiago, Wales produced their strongest performance of the tournament in a structured, patient contest shaped by defensive order and a decisive third quarter. The British side arrived clearer in their early advances and gradually refined their high press, while South Africa attempted quick transitions without achieving real depth inside the circle. The turning point came after half-time, when Olivia Forey scored with a clean finish inside the circle, and just a minute later Matilda Edwards extended the lead from a penalty corner to translate dominance into a concrete advantage.

South Africa, despite registering 24 circle entries and four penalty corners, struggled to connect circulation with finishing, losing fluency whenever Wales recovered and exited with clarity. The British team held the emotional control of the match, especially late on, when they resisted a sequence of consecutive penalty corners that found Amy Hughes in excellent form under the crossbar. That final defensive stand consolidated her selection as Player of the Match and highlighted the contrast between Wales’ effectiveness and South Africa’s difficulties in turning volume into danger. With this win, Wales advance to the 13th-place play-off, while South Africa will play for 15th.

Wales’ player Caitlin Witham expressed, “It was a great match for us. We came from a very tough game against India and adapted well. I am very proud of the team for holding the defence in the final moments. The focus now is to rest and approach the next match with the same energy.”

United States vs England (Full-Time Score: 2–1)

The United States and England contested a balanced match in the 5–8 classification sequence, with both teams alternating territorial control through a first half played at a controlled tempo on the synthetic surface. The United States opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, when Olivia Bent-Cole finished a deep transition following a high recovery. England attempted to respond through circulation and variations from the lateral channels but could not generate consistent danger inside the circle before half-time.

After the restart, England raised their pressing intensity and found greater attacking volume in the final quarter, where a penalty stroke converted by Sienna Dunn in the 52nd minute levelled the match at 1–1. The parity lasted little: the United States regained momentum and, just a minute later in the 53rd minute, Reese D’Ariano scored for 2–1 after a combined action in controlled build-up. In the closing minutes, England accumulated circle entries and two consecutive penalty corners, but the American defence held structure and managed the clearances to close the match without further concessions. With this result, the United States advance to the fifth-place play-off, while England will play for seventh.

United States captain and Player of the Match Mia Abello expressed on Watch.Hockey, the official live-streaming service for the World Cup, “We wanted to show that we are one of the best teams in the world. We played with effort, energy and without giving up any ball. We defended when needed and attacked when it was our moment, because that is what this United States team is about.”

Germany vs Australia (Full-Time Score: 1–0)

Germany and Australia closed the day in Santiago with a tightly contested match marked early by German territorial control and successive circle entries. The only goal of the match arrived in the 10th minute, when Katharina Haid converted a penalty corner with a precise drag-flick that beat Australia’s first defensive line. Germany maintained a medium press through the second quarter, generating six circle entries and sustaining offensive rhythm despite a green card shown at 21:51. Australia responded with lateral circulation and a penalty corner earned in Q1, though they failed to transform that chance into concrete danger.

After half-time, Germany refined their structure in controlled outlets and managed the advantage through long possessions, while Australia attempted to gain ground via rapid transitions along the right channel. The Oceania side accumulated four circle entries in the final quarter and received two disciplinary sanctions (a green card at 33 and a yellow at 53), which hindered their ability to sustain high pressure. In the closing minutes, both goalkeepers produced key interventions, including timely covers and close-range saves. Germany maintained a compact defensive block in the final phase and secured the win. With this result, Germany will meet the United States for fifth place, while Australia will face England for seventh.

German player Mia Montag was asked how she defines her team after the win over Australia, and said, “Power. That is the word I would choose to describe this team. I even asked my teammates and one of them said ‘Fire’.”

FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup City of Santiago 2025

Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional – Santiago de Chile

Result: Match 1

Ireland 2–1 Korea

Player of the Match: Milla Fulton (IRL)

Umpires: BENNETTS Melissa – MAHMOUD Fatma

Result: Match 2

Spain 1–0 Japan

Player of the Match: Natalia Vilanova (ESP)

Umpires: McCLEAN Ayanna – TYSON Brian

Result: Match 3

India 1–1 Uruguay (SO: 3–1)

Player of the Match: Ishika (IND)

Umpires: Melina Illanes – Tamara Leonard

Result: Match 4

Wales 2–0 South Africa

Player of the Match: Amy Hughes (WAL)

Umpires: Claudia Montino – Lani Nichol

Result: Match 5

United States 2–1 England

Player of the Match: Mia Abello (USA)

Umpires: Shane Lewis – Minami Inamoto

Result: Match 6

Germany 1–0 Australia

Player of the Match: Lynn Krings (GER)

Umpires: Katie Howie – Maggie Giddens

Source: FIH.hockey