The U-18 Indian hockey men’s team reignited their traditional rivalry with Pakistan as they won 3-1 in the U-18 Asia Cup 2016 hockey semi-finals at Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium on Thursday. India thus progressed to the final of the fourth Men’s U-18 hockey Asia Cup where they face Bangladesh on 30 September, 2016.
India started off brightly in the first half as they went on the attack as soon as the ball was set rolling. They were rewarded as early as the fifth minute when they scored the opener. The early strike gave them a 1-0 lead over the bitter rivals as they dominated the first half. They doubled their lead on the brink of half-time and maintained pressure throughout the half with some aggressive hockey.
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Also read: India register emphatic 11-0 win against Oman at U-18 Asia Cup
The second half saw the Indians carrying the momentum forward. They added to Pakistan’s misery by scoring the third goal early in the second half and took an unassailable 3-0 lead over the traditional rivals. However, with ten minutes remaining on the clock, Pakistan fought back to score a goal as the scoreboard read 3-1. Eventually, though, it turned to be a consolation goal in a lost cause for the Pakistanis.
Pakistan had been in scintillating form since the start of the tournament. They had topped their group after three successive wins. They thumped six goals on two occasions past Chinese Taipei and China in a 6-1 and 6-0 win respectively. Their form peaked in the final group stage fixture as they routed Hong Kong 14-0.
Also read: Bangladesh defeat India in opening match of U-18 Asia Cup
India, who have already tasted success in the earlier editions of this tournament, had a contrasting start as they were defeated by hosts Bangladesh in their opening fixture. In the goal festival, Bangladesh triumphed over the young Indian side, 5-4. However, they shrugged off the initial setback as they brushed past Oman 11-0.
Bangladesh earlier qualified for the final after the beat Chinese Taipei 6-1.With the win, India has set up a date for the final on Friday with their fierce neighbours against whom they lost the opening match of the tournament. The final will also give the Indians to avenge their defeat but it is a difficult task considering Bangladesh are playing at their home ground.
