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The Indian men's hockey team continued their dominant run at the Asian Champions Trophy, securing their fourth consecutive victory with a 3-1 win over Korea in Moqi, China. This match, however, presented a more challenging test than the previous encounters, forcing the Indian defense to step up and demonstrate their resilience. While India's prolific forward line was held relatively quiet, it was the strong performance of the defensive unit that ultimately earned them the victory and secured a spot in the semifinals.
The match began with India taking the lead early on, thanks to a well-executed goal by Araijeet Singh Hundal in the 8th minute. Harmanpreet Singh, a key figure in the Indian offense, then added two goals in the 9th and 43rd minutes, showcasing his signature powerful drag-flicking abilities. Yang Jihun, Korea's leading scorer in the tournament, responded for his team with a deflected drag flick that found its way past Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera just before halftime. This goal, however, was a result of India's momentary lapse in possession, highlighting a weakness that could be exploited by opponents in future matches.
The second half witnessed a crucial save by Krishan Pathak, India's other goalkeeper, who displayed quick reflexes to deny Korea an equalizer. The match ultimately served as a testament to the depth of the Indian squad, with both goalkeepers making significant contributions. Despite the relative quietness of the Indian forward line, the team's defensive strength and resilience proved pivotal in securing the victory. Looking ahead, India will face Pakistan, another undefeated team, in the semifinals. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a place in the final. The possibility of an India-Pakistan final adds another layer of excitement to the tournament, setting the stage for a potentially epic clash between two of the region's hockey powerhouses.