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Junior World Cup: Red Sticks aim to end title drought in Bukit Jalil | Scoop
The Spanish team is determined to triumph in this year’s edition of the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, despite experiencing several setbacks in previous editions of the tournament. – Andreas Rafi Instagram pic, December 4, 2023
Sports

Junior World Cup: Red Sticks aim to end title drought in Bukit Jalil

Spanish team faces Canada in two days, but its biggest competition in the group stage is powerhouse India

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
6:00 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Could Bukit Jalil be the venue where Spain ends their men’s Junior World Cup title drought?

Spain has qualified for all 12 International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) men’s Junior World Cups, and amazingly, the Red Sticks have yet to lay their hands on the coveted trophy. 

In this year’s edition, the Spanish team is determined to complete their world cup campaign on a high note after experiencing several setbacks in previous editions of the tournament.

Speaking to Scoop, team captain Andreas Rafi said that his team is aware of the challenges ahead in their group and aims to take each match on a game-by-game approach.

“We have India in our group, and we are aware that it’s going to be a tough group as they are capable of giving us a good fight. 

“We have the experience of playing against them in the FIH 4 Nations Junior Men’s Invitational Tournament in Düsseldorf. 

“They are a very strong team with a lot of technical and offensive players. We also have Canada and South Korea, but we don’t know them as much as India.

“Our first match will be against Canada in two days, and between today and tomorrow, we will watch some clips and videos to learn more about them. The first match is always difficult, and we have to be prepared under the best conditions,” said the 21-year-old defender.

Challenges aside, Andreas also believes that his team is packed with versatile players and has the capabilities to clinch the 13th edition of the world cup.

“We love being in Malaysia; the pitch is really good and elevates our gameplay with more dynamics to the team. 

“I think we have a very balanced team, and we have a lot of players who can play in different positions. It won’t be easy, and we have to do things very well.

“Every match will have its difficulties, and we have to be very focused because all the teams want to win, and they are prepared as best as possible for the tournament.

“But our goal is very clear; we want to win the world cup,” Andreas added.

Spain is grouped with Asian powerhouse, India, as well as Canada and South Korea in Group C for the world cup.

Their junior team’s best result ever was second runner-up in 2005 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

In the last edition in Bhubaneswar, India, in 2021, the Red Sticks finished seventh.

The 2023 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup will be played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil from December 5 to 16. Entrance is free. – December 4, 2023

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