Hockey Asia Cup: In-form India take on South Korea in Super 4s

India reached the Super-4s stage as Pool A toppers winning all three matches, while South Korea finished second in Pool B.

India striker Akashdeep Singh with the ball during the Pool A match against Pakistan at the 2017 Asia Cup hockey tournament in Dhaka, Bangladesh (Photo: Hockey India)

Dhaka: An unbeaten India would start as overwhelming favourites against an under-performing but dangerous South Korea in their first match of the Super-4s stage in the 10th Asia Cup hockey tournament, here, on Wednesday.

India, who finished the pool stages with an all-win record, have looked the most dominating team in the tournament so far. Korea, on the other hand, were far from impressive as they finished second in Pool B behind the ever-improving Malaysia.

Playing under new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, the Indians rose to the occasion and have displayed skillful one-touch hockey, which they are known for. The Indian strike force comprising Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay and Chinglensana Singh has been the most impressive, scoring field goals with their deft stick work.

The Indian midfield has been controlled well by skipper Manpreet Singh. The backline, with former captain Sardar Singh as the 'free man', has performed well with the young brigade of Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh and Dipsan Tirkey.

What would be a matter of concern for Marijne is the penalty-corner conversion rate even though Harmanpreet has been on target on a few occasions. But going by India's performance so far - 5-1 win over Japan, 7-0 thrashing of Bangladesh and 3-1 win over archrivals Pakistan, they are expected to prevail over Korea with consummate ease.

In terms of world rankings as well, the Indians start as favourites. While India are placed sixth in the world, Korea occupy the 13th spot. In the absence of the experienced PR Sreejesh, two young Indian custodians – Suraj Karkera and Akash Chikte – have risen to the occasion and have shown that they are no pushovers at the international stage.

But all said and done, the Indians can't afford to relax and be complacent, especially against a side like the Koreans, who are known for fast, counter-attacking play.

The nimble-footed Koreans will be eager to prove a point, especially after an average showing in the pool stages, and can rattle any opponents with their pace on their given day.

Having said that, the Indians are expected to win the encounter.

The four teams that made it to Super 4s from the pool stage will play each other once and the top two sides will progress to the final.

Meanwhile, in the other Super-4s match of the day, Pakistan will take on Pool B toppers Malaysia, who are turning out to be the surprise package.