Asian Games: India Face China in Crucial Last Game, Need Draw to Progress in Men's Hockey
After dishing out an insipid display, both in attack and defense, against Pakistan on Thursday, the Sardar Singh-led side will need to tighten their belt and come up with a much more convincing display against China.
Shattered after the close 1-2 loss against arch-rivals Pakistan, Indian men's hockey team will have to regroup quickly and eye atleast a draw in their last crucial Pool B fixture against China at Incheon on Saturday, to qualify for the semifinals of the 17th Asian Games. (Asian Games Day 7 blog)
After dishing out an insipid display, both in attack and defense, against Pakistan on Friday, the Sardar Singh-led side will need to tighten their belt and come up with a much more convincing display against China.
A draw on Saturday would be enough for India to seal their semifinal berth as the second best team from Pool B as they enjoy a better goal difference than the Chinese. (Indian women play Malaysia with eye on Asian Games hockey semis berth)
India, thanks to their superior goal difference of plus 17, are lying second in the pool ahead of their crunch game against China which they have to win or draw to ensure their berth in the last four.
But, if they manage to qualify, it won't be easy for India in the semis as they will face hosts and four-time champions South Korea, who will finish in the top spot of Pool A.