A priceless goal by Sharda Nand Tiwari and lionhearted performance by goalkeepers Prashant Chauhan and Pawan helped host India overcome Belgium 1-0 in the last quarterfinal of the 12th Junior Men Hockey World Cup at Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar today.
Tiwari scored the all-important goal, converting a penalty corner in the 21st minute. But Vishnukant Sharma (India) was named the Player of the Match. It can be recalled that India had won the gold medal in the last Junior World Cup, defeating Belgium in the final in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 2016.
Germany, Argentina and France emerged winners in the first three quarterfinals earlier in the day. Defending champions India will meet Germany and France will take on Argentina in the semifinals on December 3.