India storm into Asian Champions Trophy final with 4-1 thrashing of Korea, face hosts China in final

Defending champions India stormed into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy with a 4-1 thrashing of South Korea in Hulunbuir, China on Monday to keep their hopes of a fifth title alive.

Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh (19’, 45+’) once again led from the front with a brace on either side of the half-time interval in the second semi-final. Uttam Singh (13’) and Jarmanpreet Singh (32’) were the others who contributed to the Indian goal-fest at the Moqi Training Base.

Jihun Yang (33’) scored Korea’s only goal of the game in the third quarter of the match.

The Men in Blue 💙 have maintained their incredible form with a commanding 4-1 win over Korea in today’s Semi-Finals!💪🏻🏆 Check out some of the highlights from the match. Drop your favorite moment in the comments below!👇🏻#IndiaHockey #ChampionsTrophy #FinalsBound #ACT24… pic.twitter.com/NVcAqpwxa0

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 16, 2024

India face tournament hosts China, whom they had beaten 3-0 in their opening match on Sunday, 8 September. China prevented from a dream India vs Pakistan final from taking place by defeating the latter 2-0 on penalties after holding them to a 1-1 draw.

Three-time champions Pakistan, who had put up a tough fight against Harmanpreet and Co before succumbing to a 1-2 loss, face South Korea in the third-place playoff on Tuesday right before India and China face off for the title.

Dominant India reach sixth final in eight editions

India began the crucial semi-final on the front foot, with Abhishek forcing a save from Korea’s goalkeeper, Jaehan Kim, on the reverse, in the opening minutes. Uttam kept the pressure on with a bursting run down the right wing and found Raheel, whose close-range shot was saved. While the Indian defence smothered the occasional Korean counterattack, the forwards finally broke through as Araijeet Singh smashed the ball across the goal from the right wing for Uttam to tap in, making it 1-0 for India in the first quarter.

India earned their first penalty corner early in the second quarter, and on the second attempt, Harmanpreet struck the backboard to double India’s lead. Korea responded by holding onto possession and probing down the wings in search of an opening, but India fell back and defended in numbers. When in possession, India continued to create circle entries and posed a constant scoring threat. Towards the end of the second quarter, Korea pushed India back, and Yoonho Kong wrong-footed Gurjot Singh in the circle, forcing a mid-range save from Suraj Karkera.

Sukhjeet ensured India kept the pressure on with a deep foray into Korea’s shooting circle but couldn’t find a teammate. In the very next play, Jarmanpreet pulled an aerial pass from Sumit on the opposite flank out of the air and smacked it towards goal, where it deflected in, further increasing India’s lead. Korea responded by earning a penalty corner, and Jihun Yang flicked it down the middle to beat Krishan Pathak, providing a ray of hope for Korea as the scoreline read 3-1 in India’s favour.

Both teams created goalscoring opportunities as the third quarter drew to a close, but an error from Korea’s goalkeeper Jaehan Kim gifted India a penalty corner with just a second left. Harmanpreet flicked the ball hard and low to the new keeper Daewon Oh’s right, making it 4-1 in India’s favour.

Captain @13harmanpreet scores again 🚀 🤩

India go 𝟒-𝟏 up in the semi-final 🇮🇳 #SonySportsNetwork #INDvsKOR #ACT2024 #HockeyIndia | @TheHockeyIndia @asia_hockey @FIH_Hockey pic.twitter.com/u1n0QRpuGp

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 16, 2024

India continued their dominance in the last quarter with Abhishek and Araijeet forcing saves from the keeper. However, Korea earned a penalty corner with 8 minutes left in the game but Hyeonhong Kim’s effort sailed wide of the post. India controlled the proceedings for the rest of the quarter to seal their berth in the Final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy with a 4-1 victory.

Hero of the Match, Jarmanpreet Singh said, “We played exceptionally well today, we are happy to advance to the Final. Sumit provided me with a splendid ball for the goal and I am thankful to my roommate, who understands me so well, for setting up the goal for me.”

India will play the Final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 against hosts China on Tuesday, 17th September at 1530 IST.

Matches will be live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD in India.