India sign off with shootout win over Korea, finish third
IPOH, MALAYSIA: India produced a spirited performance to beat Korea 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out after both the teams were locked at 2-2 at regulation time, to finish a creditable third in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here on Sunday.
The win is sure to act as a morale-booster for the Indian team, which is witnessing a transition phase after new chief coach Paul van Ass took over from Terry Walsh barely a month ago.
The third place finish also marks a relatively good beginning for Van Ass, who was in his maiden assignment with the Indian team.
For India, who had earlier drawn 1-1 with Korea in the league stages, the victory came on the back of a stunning 4-2 win over world champions and title
This is one of the few tournaments in which India have done well, winning it five times (1985, 1994, 1995, 2009, 2010). holders Australia.
India scored both their goals though field strikes from last match’s hattrick man Nikkin Thimmaiah (10th minute) and Satbir Singh (22nd), while Korea scored from penalty corners converted by You Hyosik (20th) and Nam Hyunwoo (29th).
India’s vice-captain and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh had a fantastic day under the bar as he not only made numerous saves in the entire 60 minutes, but also turned out to be India’s hero in the shootout, denying two Korean efforts.
NZ PULL OFF UPSET
Devon Manchester’s heroics between the posts helped New Zealand upset world champions Australia to take the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in Malaysia on Sunday.
After both teams were tied 2-2 in regulation time, the Black They have also won one silver and five bronze medals in this annual competition.
India’s last title was in 2010, shared with Korea after the final was abandoned due to bad weather. They won their last medal in the tournament in
2012 — a bronze — by beating Great Britain 3-1 on the final day.
Australia is the most successful team in the competition, having won eight times. The Kookaburras have also won two silver and three bronze medals. Sticks prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to regain the title they last won beating Argentina in 2012.
In the shootout, Australia’s sole conversion was by Jacob Whetton. New Zealand’s Hugo Inglis, Blair Hilton and Ryan Archibald all converted the Kiwis’ first three attempts while captain Simon Child missed his attempt.
In regulation time, it was New Zealand who took the lead just five minutes into the game after they were awarded a penalty corner.
Their drag flick specialist Andy Hayward sent the Australian keeper Tristan Clemons the wrong way to give his side a shock 1-0 lead.