Junior World Cup Flash Back Part II
Germany’s Gold Rush set in motion in 1982
When the Junior World Cup was conceived, it was an every three-year affair. Therefore three years after 1979, the second edition was staged.
World Cup moved from Europe to Asia. Tun Razak stadium, sporting a brand new turf, hosted the mega event, first time World Cup was held on artificial grounds.
The second World Cup was won by an European team, Germany, giving a sweet turn out. When Europe hosted an Asian won, and the reverse now in Kuala Lumpur.
It was actually the hosts Malaysia, led by Sarjit Singh (till recently he was the chief coach of men’s team) who troubled the defending champions Pakistan who despite a draw managed to top the pool. However, Australia outplayed them in the semis 1-4 to move to the summit clash.
The losing side gave vent to its anger over the hosts for the bronze medal match with a thumping 10-0 win, but it was too late. Bronze was a humiliation for Pakistan in those days.
In the other semifinal, Germany had no difficulty to bundle out the hosts 4-2.
Final, played on 28th August, was a great stuff, though the score board suggested (4-1) Germany’s hegemony.
Australia did not qualify for this World Cup, but made it to it as the first substitute, as the qualified Ireland cried out. So, silver must have been a sweet reward.
The victory of Germany, trained by Paul Lissek, is somewhat a land mark development, as the country would continue to dominate the event for another decade almost.
Germany won all its seven matches at Kuala Lumpur, a first time record, scored 28 goals while conceding just 4 goals, a typical Paul Lissek’s team indeed.
Statistically speaking, this was Germany’s second world level title after the dramatic 1972 Olympic gold.
The hero of Kuala Lumpur for many is an young 16-year old Andreas Keller. German captain Eckhardt Schmidt was fittingly declared the Best Player of the Tournament. Defender Carsten Fischer was much in focus for the stupendous stroll of Germany and even accounted for 8 goals through penalty corner conversion.
The honour of over all top scorer went to India’s Mohinder Pal Singh, who scored 12 goals.
The golden team: Schliemann, Carsten Fischer, Jung, Slawyk. Mollandin, Andreas Keller, E Schmidt, V. Fried, Brinkmann, T. Reck, D. Wellen.
Germany’s route to Gold
Defeat India 3-1
Defeat Kenya 7-0
Defeat Canada 2-0
Defeat Singapore 6-0
Defeat Australia 2-0
Defeat Malalysia 4-2 in the semis
Defeat Australia 4-1 in the final