Korea claimed the BDO Hockey Junior World Cup with an electric display to defeat Germany 1-0 in the final in Santiago.
Read the Day 9 match Summaries and visit the Photo Gallery
The win was Korea’s second consecutive title and also gives them the distinction of being the only team to have won the Junior World Cup more than once.
Korea was clearly the better team in the final and thoroughly deserved their victory. Built on crisp skills, precise ball movement and speed all over the pitch, Korea overwhelmed Germany. With better finishing in the circle, the result could have been much greater.
After a pair of German chances early in the final, Korea took control and proceeded to dominate play and should have taken the lead in the first half, with only desperate German defence keeping the score even at half time.
After the break, Korea mounted wave after wave of attack on the German goal and had their opponents stretched until finally taking the lead midway through the half.
Like all teams who win a major title, Korea had their share of good fortune along the way, scoring after the full time siren to draw with India in their last preliminary match to earn enough points to ensure they reached the semi finals.
However once they reached the medal matches, Korea produced a pair of sparkling performances to first overcome Netherlands in the semi final and then Germany to win a second straight women’s Junior World Cup title.
In the playoff for bronze, Netherlands edged Australia to win their second Junior World Cup medal, while Argentina scored a late goal to defeat Spain and claim fifth place.
In the day’s other playoff match, USA were too good for South Africa and capped an impressive tournament with a seventh place finish – their best-ever at a Junior World Cup.
Awards
Player of the Tournament: Maartje Goderie (NED)
Top Goal Scorer: Maartje Paumen (NED)
Best Goalkeeper: Kristina Reynolds (GER)
Fair Play Award: Canada
