India rally to hold South Korea
in men's hockey

Defending champions India staged a fine rally to hold South Korea 1-1 in their concluding Group A league match in the Asian Games hockey tournament in Busan on Friday.

Down by a fourth minute goal, when Jong Ha Jeon scored from a penalty-corner, the Indians fought back and equalised through Daljit Singh Dhillon in the tenth minute of the second session.

The draw saw India finish second behind the Koreans in the group and set up a probable meeting with Pakistan, who are likely to top Group B ahead of Malaysia, in the semi-finals.

Both teams finished tied with seven points but South Korea emerged Group A toppers on account of a better goal difference. Korea scored 19 goals and conceded two while India's had nine goals for and two against.

Pakistan, who defeated Bangladesh 9-0 in a Group B match earlier on Friday, are likely to top their pool after their final league match against Malaysia on Sunday. Both Pakistan and Malaysia, who defeated China 3-2 in another match on Friday, have six points now, and even a draw on Sunday would ensure an India-Pakistan clash in the semi-finals.

India and Pakistan met twice during the Champions Trophy in Cologne last month with both teams winning once.

India today fielded the same eleven that played the previous match against Japan and used similar formations and planning.

Both the teams played a fast-paced game, with India showing more fluency in midfield, but the Korean defence did not all much leeway to the Indian forwards.

Despite a partisan home crowd, the Indians made a number of attacks early in the game but their moves were thwarted just ahead of the striking circle. Even on the few occasions when they did make their way into the circle, the Koreans regrouped in great numbers.

The Koreans were lucky to go ahead in the fourth minute following their first penalty-corner, which was awarded when Kanwalpreet Singh made a tackle on Jong Hyun Hwang. Jong Ha Jeon's drag flick, off an indirect variation, found the roof of the net.

Kanwalpreet Singh, meanwhile, was given a warning for a hard tackle on Jong Ho Seo inside the 25-yard line and Gagan Ajit Singh was shown the yellow card when he flicked a `dead' ball.

Ten minutes before the half-time, the Koreans started to dictate terms and earned a penalty-corner but it proved abortive.

In the 30th minute, India appealed for a goal when a free-hit by Bimal Lakra appeared to have crossed the goal-line following a deflection by Deepak Thakur. However, Australian umpire Grime Murray ruled otherwise.

Crossing over, India brought in Ignace Tirkey for Dinesh Nayak and the team mounted a fresh wave of attacks.

The mercurial Dhanraj Pillay latched on to a good opportunity and moved dangerously towards the South Korean goal before being obstructed by a rival defender. Two penalty-corners followed but were wasted by the Indians.

But India found the equaliser in the 45th minute following a good pass by Ignace Tirkey from the right flank. The ball went to Jugraj whose attempt at the goal was padded away by South Korean goalkeeper Yoon Kim. Daljit Singh, who was lurking nearby, was quick to pounce on the rebound and scoop the ball over the goalkeeper.

With the teams on equal terms, the match became lively and the Koreans intensified their attacks. At least on two occasions they came near scoring but Devesh Chauhan was equal to the task.

The Indian defence showed great confidence though Jong Ha Jeon was able to cut loose on two occasions before being stopped once Dilip Tirkey and Chauhan.

Nine minutes before the hooter, Vikram Pilllay received a yellow card for a hard tackle on Hwang.

"I am totally satisfied with the performance of the team. The players raised their game to a great extent in the last two matches," Indian coach Rajinder Singh said.

"It was a splendid game... as it could have been seen, every team is good and cannot be ruled out."