Asia Cup Hockey: India defeat Malaysia 2-0, qualify for finals

Raghunath scored the first goal for India

Indian men’s hockey team, admirable in their defence and helped by goals from VR. Raghunath and Mandeep Singh, one in each half of the game, defeated Malaysia 2-0 in the second semi-finals of the Asia Cup at Ipoh in Malaysia to set up a final clash with South Korea on September 1st, with not just the trophy on the line but a berth for the World Cup, next year, in The Hague.

In the first half, India managed to convert the first penalty corner they were awarded, courtesy of Indian drag-flicker V.R.Raghunath, whose powerful shot towards the right top corner left the Malaysian goal-keeper with no chance.

Not much happened thereafter as both the teams were resolute in defence. Towards the end of the first half, India were awarded another penalty corner which they could not convert.

As the second half began, Malaysia began to exert their dominance in the game with a number of circle invasions but Indian defence, led by the goal-keeper PR. Sreejesh, made a series of crucial last ditch saves to deny any chance of the opener. Malaysia were given as many as four penalty corners, but they failed to capitalise on any of the chances.

Just when it was getting a bit too close for India’s liking, Ramandeep Singh, beating the goal-keeper, with his amazing vision found Mandeep Singh who slotted in the winner without much of an effort to seal the game.

Earlier in the first semi-finals, defending champions South Korea defeated Pakistan 2-1