Dhaka: An unbeaten India would start as overwhelming favourites against an under-performing but dangerous South Korea in their first match of the Super 4 stage in the 10th Asia Cup hockey tournament here Wednesday.
India, who finished the pool stages with an all-win record, have looked the most dominating team in the tournament so far in all aspects of the game. They have scored 15 goals in the three matches they have so far played and conceded two.
Korea, on the other hand, were far from impressive as they finished second in Pool B behind the ever-improving Malaysia. They won two games while losing the other to Malaysia. On form, India should win with consummate ease. However, even then chief coach is not taking anything for granted.
“It is the result that matters. You can’t just think that you are the favourite… you have to go on field and prove it,” Marjine said Tuesday. “The Koreans had a good game against China. So they will be a confident lot and we have to be careful,” he added.
The Indian strike force comprising Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Lalit Upadahay and Chinglensana Singh have functioned like a well-oiled machine with constant support from the likes of the experienced Sardar Singh and skipper Manpreet Singh in the midfield. The defence manned by Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh and young Dipsan Tirkey have also stood up to the tests so far quite well.
In terms of world rankings as well, the Indians start as favourites also. While India are placed sixth in the world, Korea occupy the 13th spot. However, the Koreans have always been dangerous underdogs and have the uncanny ability to surprise stronger teams.
Jang Jonghyun has been very good with penalty corner conversions for the Koreans hitting the target five times out of the eight opportunities the team earned. Upfront Yang Jihun has been a constant source of danger to opposition defenders. So India will have to be careful about both these players.
The nimble-footed Koreans will be eager to prove a point, especially after a unimpressive showing in the pool stages, and can rattle any opponents with their pace on their given day.
Marjine meanwhile said that what has impressed him the most is the players’ quest for improvement. “They don’t just want to win… they want to improve all the time. That is a very good sign for any side and my players have showed that intention,” he said.
“More than winning, I am more concerned as to how the team perform, how they combine, their speeds and their skill set. This team are very good, their performances have been good also, but then I can say that there is still plenty of scope for improvement. Hopefully, the Korea game we see us perform better,” Marjine added.
India-South Korea in last 10 matches
Winners Event Scores Year
India Asian CT 2-2 (5-4) 2016
Draw Asian CT 1-1 2016
India CT 2-1 2016
India Azlan Shah Cup 2-2 (4-1) 2015
Draw Azlan Shah Cup 2-2 2015
India Asian Games 1-0 2014
India World Cup 3-0 2014
S Korea Asia Cup 4-3 2013
India Asia Cup 2-0 2013
S Korea Azlan Shah Cup 2-1 2013
Agencies