K ARUMUGAM

Despite dominating the field, India could not capitalize cornucopia of chances it created but in the end struggled to draw chances of which at one point of time looked dim against traditional rival South Korea in their penultimate pool match.

Navneet Kaur’s clever goal obtained in the 44th minute nullified the Korean lead. Korea took the lead when its spearhead Hyejin Cho was obstructed in a goalmouth melee for which Argentina umpire awarded a stroke which seemed a harsh decision.

Indian goalie protested mildly but could not help Hyejin Cho placing the ball to her right. Savita spotted the direction of Cho’s flight, but could not stop as the ball slipping home below her dived position.

For the first three quarters, India was controlling the proceedings but could not translate it into goals. It was pathetic to see players indulging in stickwork along the periphery of the circle, testing fans’ patience and in the process often losing possession.

India changed the gear in the fourth quarter and got the dividends.

Salima Tete stole the eyes on the right flank, troubling the defence largely manned by Junggeun Seo and Eunji Cho. Lalremsiami too was good upfront but always got bogged  down near baseline with unnecessary stick work.

Monika was all present and impact maker in the entire match, but her getting a green card for playing after the whistle does not do respect to her experience. She is in her third Asian Games.

Earlier, Deepika too got this punishment for playing, actually she had sent the ball into the net, but it was after whistle!

Monika not only got a green card suspension for her similar offence, and also for the umpire to award  penalty corner to Korea, which India survived.

However, within 10 minutes she made amends and got a penalty corner for India with excellent stick work. This turned out to be the game changer, as Navneet Kaur pounced on to the rebound (1-1, 44th minutes).

Thereafter, in the entire last quarter, India was attack with Sangita Kumari, Salima Tete, Deepika giving their best.

Vandana Katariya was played hard 5,6 minutes in the entire match, perhaps her energies are being saved for sterner contests!

India’s penalty corner work outs still appear raw. India got five of them today, but at least twice no shot could be taken.

But chief coach Jenneke Scopman would not agree with.

We have converted 33 % against Singapore and today one out of four, which makes a good 25%”, she said.

One player who one should remember for today’s saviour act is tested and trusted Deep Grace Ekka, her quick goaline clearnace off solo-specialist Hyejin Cho in the very first minute saved India from any damage. Combining with her captaion Eunbi Cheon, Cho proved to be a constant thorn in the Indian flesh.

Often extraordinary skills had to be summed to stop the duo from causing damage.