Asian Champions Trophy hockey: Dominant India beat Korea to set up final vs China

India stormed into the final of Asian Champions Trophy hockey in Hulunbuir, China after beating South Korea 4-1 in a one-sided semi-final at the Mogi Hockey Training Base on Monday, September 16. A brace from captain Harmanpreet Singh and a goal each from Uttam Singh and Jermanpreet Singh helped India continue their dominant run in the continental tournament. India will take on China in the final on Tuesday, September 17.
India flaunted their improved ability to score field goals as Uttam and Jermanpreet found the back of the net while Harmanpreet was decisive from the penalty corners. India made 20 circle entries, four more than South Korea and dominated possession. Uttam opened the scoring for India in the first quarter, deflecting a cross from the left as India put the pressure early on the South Korean defence.
India vs South Korea semi-final: Highlights
India doubled the lead in the second quarter when captain Harmanpreet Singh converted the second penalty corner that came India’s way. Harmanpreet continued to lead India’s goal-scoring ways with an improved show of drag-flicking throughout the tournament. He scored once more in the final minute of the third quarter after a basic handling error from the Korean goalkeeper. Jermanpreet scored the goal of the match at the start of the third quarter as he controlled a long ball from the left and slammed it past into the net.
Yang Jihun scored for Korea in the third quarter, but the lower-ranked side was not able to exert sustained pressure on the Indian backline, which was solid throughout the match.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan were stunned by China in the first semi-final. The first semifinal of the day truly lived up to its billing with China posing a mega threat to Pakistan’s hopes of making the final right from the start. They were gritty in their pursuit, dominated the ball possession and created early chances. China was buoyed by the unprecedented support from the home crowd, who turned up in large numbers as it was a government holiday here for the Mooncake Festival which marks the post-autumn harvest celebrations across China.