Malaysia announced their arrival at the Junior World Cup 2025 with a statement of intent, dismantling Austria 5-1 in a commanding Pool E performance in Madurai, India.
Despite a shaky opening quarter where the Europeans used their physicality to unsettle the Malaysian boys, Nor Saiful Zaini’s squad quickly recalibrated — and once they found their rhythm, they unleashed havoc.
After weathering Austria’s early pressure, Malaysia opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Harris Iskandar Osman, who finished off a well-worked penalty corner to put the Young Tigers 1-0 up.
From that point on, Malaysia took full control.
Adam Asyraf Johari — featuring in his second Junior World Cup — doubled the lead in the 47th minute, rewarding Malaysia’s relentless pressure.
The floodgates opened in the final quarter, where Malaysia delivered four goals in a blistering 10-minute stretch, showcasing pace, precision and ruthless finishing.
Three goals arrived in quick succession on 55th minute by T. Naaveenesh Panicker buried a penalty-corner attempt to make it 3-0, and in the 56th & 57th minute by Captain Danish Aiman turned on the style, firing in two field goals barely a minute apart, sealing a sensational double and earning Man of the Match honours.
Austria managed a consolation through Julian Kaiser (56’) from a penalty corner, but by then the contest was long decided.
However, the real test comes tomorrow (30 Nov), when the Young Tigers face European powerhouse Netherlands, who also kicked off their campaign with a 5-3 win over England.
Credit Photo : FIH
