Defending champions India will look to beat South Korea in the final match of the Super Four stage on Tuesday with the intention of making it to the final of the men’s hockey tournament of the Asia Cup. India had progressed like a final against Malaysia on Sunday but Raji Rahim’s hat-trick stopped the match at 3-3. Earlier, India had defeated Japan 2-1.
Korea are at the top of the Super Four points table by a margin of plus two, while India are at the second spot with a margin of one goal. Japan are out due to two losses, while Malaysia will have a chance of reaching the final if they beat Japan by a two-goal margin in their last match and India and Korea ends in a draw. The Indian team would like to avoid the statistics by defeating Korea in the match on Tuesday. However, it is not that easy either, as Korea played out their match against Malaysia in a 2-2 draw and beat Japan 3-1.
Effective performance of Uttam, Sunil and Rajbhar
Uttam Singh, SV Sunil and Pawan Rajbhar have given impressive performances in the Indian forward line. Sunil had scored a goal in the last match on the pass of Rajbhar. The Indians created many chances, but the striker could not convert the goal. Head coach Sardar Singh would like to rectify this. On the other hand, the defense line led by Birender Lakra is expected to do better, which has conceded several penalty corners against Malaysia. Japan will face Malaysia in the second match of the Super 4 stage.
