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India were knocked out of the Junior Hockey World cup as South Korea held onto a 3-3 draw to ensure their qualification into the last eight.
India faced South Korea in a crunch game today requiring a win to progress to the last 8 while South Korea needed just a draw to qualify due to superior goal difference.
India started brightly earning a penalty corner but hit it straight at the Goal Keeper.As soon as they lost the ball, Korea countered winning a PC. A deflection off an Indian defender sent the ball onto the cross bar.India started putting the pressure on the Koreans as they pushed forward. A couple of miscued passes meant India missed the opportunity to take the lead. Koreans meanwhile seemed to have a clear plan as they defended deep and went on fast counters.
One such opportunity sent a Korean forward with just a defender and Goalie in front of him. The Korean lost his bat but gained a penalty corner.This time though,the shot was poor as it went over the crossbar. But there were clear indications of the threat Koreans were posing on the counter and it showed as they won a penalty corner yet again.
This time though the Koreans made no mistake as You Seungju hit the ball to the left of the keeper into the goal.For the third time in the group stage, Indians were trailing in the game. India came back strong dominating possession and it showed as Koreans fouled thrice to earn two green cards and a yellow.
Korea were playing 9 in the last 9 minutes a PC for India was awarded. This time, India went inches wide of scoring a goal.The game was all India as they continued to dominate possession while dispossessing Koreans quickly when they countered.
The pressure paid off as India equalised from a PC four minutes from half time.This time, Gurjinder Singh was on the pitch and made no mistake as he sent a fierce shot to the left of the keeper. India and Gurjinder were not finished yet as they got yet another PC a minute from half time. Gurjinder sent the keeper the wrong way as he smashed a shot into the top right corner.India’s dominance showed as they went into the half time with a 2-1 lead and looking good to go into the last 8.
The second half started more quietly as India and Korea scrapped for the ball. The first few minutes was relatively quiet as both team made some sloppy play.
India then got a referral right and won the penalty corner.Gurjinder hit it wide and Koreans started the counter but were quickly dispossessed at near their penalty area.The Indian forwards shot was saved by a diving keeper and Korea were still in the game.But India would not be denied as they got back on a counter and it was Mandeep this time as he deflected a pass that was laid to him into the goal. India were leading 3-1 and it looked like India had the upper hand in the game.
India were clearly in a bullish mood as they had a referral for a disallowed goal turned down and went agonisingly close to score their fourth goal through Mandeep as he shot just above the crossbar.Mandeep for the man for India in the second half as he took dangerous positions to harass the Korean defenders.
With thirteen minutes remaining, Korea won a PC and You Seungju converted it with a low shot just past the keeper.Koreans were now back in the game as they won another PC and yet again converted it through Seungju with a shot to the left of the keeper.Ten minutes left, India still needed to score atleast one goal to win the game as a draw would send Korea through to the last eight.
Korea took the initiative and and pushed forward searching for a goal to wrap up the game.Korea missed a one on one opportunity against the Indian goal keeper as the Korean forward missed the shot.
Three minutes left in the game, India became desperate as they attempted ambitious passes and miscued them.
Korea held on in the end as a distraught Indian team was knocked out of the cup.
Korea will now face Malaysia in the last eight while India will fight for the 9-12 spot.
South Korea’s You Seungju was declared Man of the Match for his three goals.
