India warm up for Pak with a draw vs Korea

Kuantan (Malaysia), Oct 22

The Indian hockey team was held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea in a round-robin league encounter of the Asian Champions Trophy here today.

Placed five spots behind sixth-ranked India in the world rankings, the Koreans repeatedly caused ripples in the rival defence and found plenty of time and space to dribble into the scoring zone. India had a lazy game, especially in the midfield, and made silly errors.

India enjoyed a major share of the possession but failed to convert their chances. Credit should also go to the Korean goalkeeper who pulled off some brilliant reflexive saves to earn his team its first point in the tournament. South Korea took the lead in the 11th minute after Jeong Jun-woo bravely deflected in a rising shot from his teammate. Rupinder Pal Singh’s misdirected pass from the back was intercepted at the centre and the fast-breaking Koreans needed just two passes to reach the Indian circle. India fought back to equalise in the 33rd minute through Lalit Upadhyay, who sent a firm reverse drive from the penalty spot low into the left corner. Favourites India, the highest ranked Asian team, now have four points from two games.

We gave Korea too many opportunities: Oltmans      

India coach Roelant Oltmans said that his team gave too many chances to the young South Korean team.

“I expected a tough game but we gave the Koreans too much opportunity,” said Oltmans. “We went for a win and did get some clear-cut chances, but have to be satisfied with the draw,” he said. Oltmans said that his defenders exhibited good positional play in defending against South Korea’s penalty corners. South Korea’s coach Paul Lissek was elated at the performance of his young team. “This is like winning a gold medal for us, a small hockey-playing nation’s young team holding India to a draw,” said Lissek, former chief coach of Germany.

“Coming a day after we conceded a last-minute match-winner to Pakistan, I am delighted at the manner in which my boys responded to the Indian challenge,” he said. “We lost control of the game after early flourish and India then had so much advantage, but our defenders held their ground,” he said.     

Indo vs Pak always filled with emotions: Junaid      

Pakistan coach Khawaja Junaid says tomorrow’s encounter against India will be the showpiece match of the tournament.

“An India-Pakistan hockey match is always a game of emotions,” said Junaid. “Hockey’s popularity has a lot to do with the India-Pakistan matches. We promise to give a good display against India tomorrow.”

Junaid said his team includes several young players. “The inexperience is what we have to tackle. We have just had one international tournament in one year,” he said. “After the World League Semifinals in Antwerp last year, the Pakistan team’s only outing was the Sutan Azlan Shah Cup, where we played seven matches.”

“Since the 2012 Olympic Games, where India finished last, India have played more than 200 matches and their international experience is a reason why they are climbing up the world rankings,” he said. — PTI

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