India prevailed over defending champions South Korea 3-2 in their fourth round-robin fixture of the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai on Monday
India defeated South Korea 3-2 in their fourth round-robin match in the Asian Champions Trophy on Monday in Chennai, securing their place in the semifinals and continuing their perfect record in the international hockey competition. India had already qualified for the semi-finals before the action began at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, thanks to Japan's defeat to Malaysia earlier in the day. The game started off quickly for both teams, with a lot of possession-based hockey being played.
The hosts broke the scoreless tie in the sixth minute when Nilakanta Sharma poked the ball in after Sukhjeet Singh dribbled it past a few players.
Unfazed by the goal, Korea created a few opportunities of their own, but the Indian defence held firm.
After a low cross from Manjae Jung, the Koreans quickly equalised in the 12th minute when Sunghyun Kim blasted it home.
India dominated the second quarter, creating up to four opportunities and scoring their second goal via penalty corner in the 23rd minute.
Harmanpreet Singh, who blasted the ball low to the right of the custodian before defeating him, converted the PC.
The Indians continued to hold a slender 1-0 advantage at halftime despite launching additional attacks, including one using a personal computer.
Another PC was awarded to Korea, but captain Jonghyun Jang's shot missed the target. As the game entered the fourth quarter, India then had three opportunities, with Karthi Selvam and Mandeep Singh going close to two of them.
India received a PC two minutes into the fourth quarter, leading to a subsequent penalty shot. However, Harmanpreet's attempt to go low and to the keeper's right was blocked.
A minute later, a video referral allowed Korea to gain a PC, which resulted in it earning three more straight PCs. However, Jang failed to convert either of them.
India continued with their attacking intent, with a double save coming from the Korean goalie in the 50th minute off Mandeep and Sukhjeet's shots.
It was followed by another series of PCs for Korea, while they also opted for a review for a possible PC, only to lose it.
Finally, in the 58th minute, Jihun Yang found the back of the net through a field goal, keeping the Indians on their toes.
Even as the Koreans looked for the equaliser, the Indian defence managed to hold on to the one-goal lead.
India will next be up against arch-rival Pakistan on Wednesday, while Korea, who remain in the top-four race, face Malaysia.
Pakistan, Malaysia win
Goals from Muhammad Khan and Afraz helped Pakistan eke out a 2-1 victory over China to stay in the race for the semifinals in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Monday. However, the defeat meant that China were knocked out of contention for the last-four stage.
Malaysia fought off a late surge from Japan to secure a 3-1 win and keep their semifinal hopes alive in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Monday. Najmi Jazlan (13th minute, penalty corner), Ashran Hamsani (37th) and Shello Silverius (59th) struck for Malaysia.
After a flurry of missed chances, Japan finally managed to strike through Niwa Takuma (59th).
