Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 12 (ANI): India males’s hockey staff head coach Craig Fulton stated that their Asian Championship last encounter in opposition to Malaysia is a must-win sport for them on Saturday.
India registered a thumping 5-0 victory in opposition to Japan of their semifinal encounter on Friday. While Malaysia additionally hammered Korea to seal their place within the last with a 6-2 victory.
In the post-match convention, Craig Fulton was happy with the way in which his staff carried out and executed the plan however he stated that the ultimate shall be a must-win sport for them.
“It was a really good performance tonight it was pleasing from what we planned to do to what we did now we recover and go again tomorrow,” Fulton stated.
“Like I said previously we will finish this tournament and we will do a full assessment of where we are at. It is nice to play all the Asian teams that are in the pool. It is a must-win game against Malaysia. It is really important for us,” Fulton added.
Meanwhile, on profitable the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy, Indian Hockey participant Sumit stated, “It is not just because of my goal that we won, it is the entire team’s contribution…Winning the finals is more importantwe will focus on that…”Coming to the match, after a nervy begin to the sport, the hosts slowly gained management of the sport. An early penalty nook gave India a possibility to go one in entrance. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh’s drag flick was met by Japan’s goalkeeper they usually replied with a swift counterattack to place the Blues in hassle. The last shot was a whisker away from the submit.
A minute later, ahead Shamsher Singh was proven a inexperienced card and he needed to sit out for the subsequent two minutes. Both sides pressed laborious for a aim however the first quarter ended on degree phrases.
The second quarter started in Japan’s favour as India made a mistake however Japan didn’t punish them. Akashdeep Singh made Japan pay by scoring the primary aim of the sport with a area aim.
The Indian staff smelled blood they usually pounced shortly to strike twice earlier than the halftime whistle. A drag flick from Harmanpreet acquired India their second aim of the sport, whereas an outstanding hit from Mandeep made the scoreline 3-0.
India got here out all weapons blazing to start the third quarter on a robust word. Sumit made a magical run contained in the hanging circle to place the ball previous the keeper within the thirty ninth minute of the sport.
Karthi Selvam made it 5 for India within the 51st minute after Sukhjeet Singh’s cross from contained in the circle. (ANI)