England brushed aside Ireland 2-0 to claim ninth place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.
The English side took the lead in the 10th minute after being awarded a Penalty Stroke (PS). Kaden Draysey made no mistake from the spot after Ireland’s Video Referral was rejected by the video umpire. Draysey doubled England’s advantage just before half-time from a Penalty Corner (PC).
Ireland started the second half by attacking with intensity and earned a series of PCs. It was awarded a PS soon after, but Louis Rowe failed to convert the chance. The third quarter was dominated by Ireland, and the English defence successfully weathered the storm.
In the final phase, England controlled the tempo and maintained possession to nullify the Irish threat to clinch the contest.
Australia thrashes South Africa
After a tough campaign, Australia finished the tournament on a high by grabbing 11th position with a 4-2 win over South Africa.
ALSO READ | India seeks strong finish, gears up for bronze-medal clash with Argentina
The Burras were on a mission to give their long-serving coach, Jay Stacy, a fitting send-off as he steps down from the role after four years. Australia flexed its muscles from the outset but failed to capitalise in the first quarter.
Duncan Jackson opened the scoring early in the second quarter, and Patrick Andrew soon added a second for Australia. However, just before the half-time whistle, South Africa pulled one back via Jaydon Brooker, who is playing his last hockey tournament before turning into a professional cricketer.
Dylan Brick gave Australia a cushion in the final quarter from a PC before Matthew Hawthorne netted with the same routine to make it 4-1. Just before the final whistle, South Africa got its second goal of the match via Litha Kraai.
Malaysia scripts shootout victory over Japan
Malaysia finished the tournament in 13th position with a dramatic 3-0 shootout win over fellow Asian side Japan after a 1-1 stalemate in the 13th/14th position match.
Azimuddin Kamaruddin gave the Junior Speedy Tigers the lead with a powerful drag-flick in the 29th minute from Malaysia’s fourth PC of the match. Japan left it late to get the equaliser, which finally arrived in the 53rd minute from Shun Hara.
ALSO READ | Madurai facelift for Junior World Cup provides hockey hopefuls platform to dream
In the ensuing shootout, Malaysian custodian Haziq Hairul emerged as the hero by forcing Japan to miss three consecutive attempts to seal the victory.
Chile beats Switzerland
In the first match of the day, Chile defeated Switzerland 2-1 to secure 15th position in the tournament.
After a relatively measured first quarter from both sides, the Europeans broke the deadlock through Jens Fluck in the 18th minute. Just over three minutes before half-time, Chile hit back via Juan Velasco Kouyoumdjian.
The South American team mounted pressure on the Swiss goal from the restart, and in the 39th minute, skipper Felipe Richard gave it the lead, which ultimately was enough to seal 15th place.
Published on Dec 09, 2025
