Last-minute goal helps India hold Korea
Unbeaten in the group stages, India were in for a shock as they trailed a spirited Korea till the final minute of the match
DHAKA: Striker Gurjant Singh saved the day with a last-minute equaliser as India eked out a fighting 1-1 draw against Korea in their first Super 4 stage match of the 10th men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament.
Unbeaten India looked the most convincing team in the tournament so far but the dangerous and defensive Korean scam etantali sing ly close to register a stunning win over the the Manpreet Singh-led side.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and having better scoring chances, the in-form Indian strikers found it difficult to breach the resolute Korean defence.
After a barren opening two quarters, Jungjun Lee (41st minute) gave Korea the lead before Gurjant scored (60 th) just seconds before the final hooter to salvage a point for the Indians.
It was always expected to be a contest between Indian forwardline and Korea’ s defence and it pan ned out that way only with the Koreans defending in numbers and relying on counter attacks.
Akahdeep Singh missed a sitter for India in the first quarter after he failed to connect the ball from close range with only the Korean goalkeeper to beat.
Seconds before the end of the first quarter, India secured the only penalty corner of the match but it was wasted as they went for variation.
The second quarter saw a neck-and-neck tussle between the Indian strikers and Korean defence with both the sides not in a mood to give an inch to each other as the first half ended goalless. Six minutes into the third quarter, India were in for a rude shock when Lee scored, chancing upon a lapse from Va run Kumar and Sumit in the Indian defence.
Four minutes later, a brilliant run from Satbir Singh set up a fine ball forSVSu nil inside he Korean circle but the Indian striker failed to get a good touch.
Four minutes from the final hooter, India withdrew goalkeeper S ur ajKarke raf ora n extra player and the move paid rich dividends as Gurjant finally scored the much-needed equaliser in the last minute.
DESPITE ENJOYING THE LION’S SHARE OF POSSESSION, THE INFORM INDIAN STRIKERS FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO GET PAST KOREA.