Asia Cup: India face South Korea test
India got off to a flyer in the 9th Asia Cup by thrashing Oman 8-0. They will now face a much tougher oponent when they take on defending champions South Korea in their Pool B match on Monday.
South Korea have already qualified for the World Cup courtesy Argentina’s win in the Pan American continental championship, and will be eager to spoil the chances of India and their neighbours Pakistan.
For India and Pakistan, it is a do-or-die situation as one of them faces the possibility of missing out on a World Cup berth for the first time since the launch of the tournament in 1971.
In the absence of experienced players like SV Sunil, Danish Mujtaba, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Akashdeep Singh, who all are out of the tournament due to injuries, the inexperienced Indian forward line comprising of Mandeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Nikin Thimmaiah impressed everyone against Oman, but are in for tough time against tidy Koreans.
On the other hand, India’s defence, which is the team’s permanent headache, did their job efficiently against Oman and it remains to be seen how the likes of VR Raghunath, Rupinderpal Singh, debutant Amit Rohidas perform under constant pressure of the Koreans, who are known for their counter attacking skills and slick passing.
Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh hardly had anything to do against Oman, but will be up for a tough time against the Koreans.
Heading into this match, history suggests that South Korea have a slight advantage. Out of the 68 matches between the two countries so far, South Korea have won 30 while India follow their Asian rivals closely with 26 wins, with 12 games ending in draws.
In the Asia Cup, India enjoy the superiority. Out of the eight encounters between them, India have won five, lost two while one ended in a draw.
A win against South Korea would definitely guarantee India a place in the semi-finals, but even a draw would also be enough to see them through, as they next play minnows Bangladesh in their last pool match.