After a narrow 2-1 victory over South Africa India will have to up their game in the quarter finals against Spain.
The India junior hockey team in action against South Africa in the competitionIANS

A sensational performance from India in the second half of their hockey junior world cup 2016 semi final match against Australia remained one of the major attractions on Friday. Despite that, the score after four quarters of the hockey match ended 2-2.

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It was then that goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya stepped up and stopped two penalties of the Australian side, while the hosts converted all their four penalties to comfortably sail into the Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 final, where they will now face Belgium.

India defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in Lucknow.

The away side drew first blood in the 14th minute through Tom Craig, who converted through a penalty corner. Following the end of the first half, it was India who should nothing but pure class to create opportunities -- one after another. Gurjant Singh finally scored the equaliser in the 42nd minute via an impressive field goal, while skipper Mandeep Singh remained magical as he gave the lead to the home side, with a brilliant individual field goal.

Not keen on trailing, Australia hit back through Lachlan Sharp just before the end of the match, to take the game to penalty shootout.

It was then that Vikas, who was making impressive saves -- one after another, came to the fore and completely bossed the shootout.

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