The Tribune: India stroll against defensive Pak
Asia Cup: World No. 6 win 3-1 to top their pool; Pakistan also qualify for Super 4 stage Favourites India continued their winning momentum as they defeated archrivals Pakistan 3-1 in a pool encounter of the 10th men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament here today.
After the easy wins against Japan (5-1) and hosts Bangladesh (7-0), India had a relatively tough outing against Pakistan but managed to maintain their all-win record.
India controlled the proceedings for the better part of the match, barring the final quarter when Pakistan, trailing 0-3, came hard in search of goals. But at the end of the day, the Indians came out superior and continued their recent domination over Pakistan, which includes back-to-back victories in the Hockey World League Semifinal in London earlier this year. Chinglensana Singh (17th minute), Ramandeep Singh (44th) and Harmanpreet Singh (45th) scored the goals for India, while Pakistan’s lone strike came from the stick of Ali Shan in the 49th minute.
By virtue of this win, India finished on top of Pool A with nine points from three games, while Pakistan secured the second spot with four points. Both India and Pakistan have qualified for the round-robin Super 4 stage of the tournament. Even though Japan defeated Bangladesh 3-1 earlier in the day, the victory was not enough for them to enter the Super 4 stage as they lost out to Pakistan on goal difference.
India take time to hit stride
Both India and Pakistan took time finding their stride but it was India who controlled the ball. While Pakistan were cautious, having lost their last two matches against India by huge margins, the Indian players seemed calm and assured.
India created a few chances, but it was Pakistan who earned the first penalty corner, which they wasted.
After a largely uneventful first quarter, India came out more determined in the second quarter and found the breakthrough in the 17th minute. Chinglensana slammed home after receiving a fine pass from Akashdeep Singh, who was operating on the wide right.
Three minutes later, Gurjant Singh’s reverse hit was just off target.
After wasting another penalty corner, Pakistan were denied by young India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who saved Mohammed Attiq’s shot from close range. India replaced Karkera with Akash Chikte at the halfway mark, and the young custodian came up with a superb save in the 40th minute to keep Pakistan out.
India secured their first penalty corner soon but Varun Kumar’s grounded flick was off-target.
Gurjant had a great chance to consolidate India’s lead but his fluffed push after a fine one-two with Akashdeep was easily saved by the Pakistani goalkeeper.
After Pakistan wasted their third penalty corner, Ramandeep doubled India’s lead with a diving deflection at the far post off Harmanpreet Singh’s diagonal cross from the right.
India extended their lead in the very next minute from their second penalty corner through Harmanpreet. Pakistan, who looked more purposeful in the fourth quarter, reduced the margin after intercepting a Sardar Singh pass. Though an Indian defender’s last-minute tackle denied a Pakistan striker a shot at goal, an opportunistic Shan ran in to convert with a reverse shot.
Chikte once again came to India’s rescue when he denied Pakistan with a fine save from their fourth penalty corner. Thereafter, India pressed hard and earned as many as three penalty corners in succession but wasted all. India and Pakistan will face each other again in the Super 4 stage, which will start on Wednesday. — PTI
India 3-1 Pakistan
India: Chinglensana Singh (17th min)
Ramandeep Singh (44th)
Harmanpreet Singh (45th)
Pakistan: Ali Shan (49th)