India are eyeing the 7th final of the Asian Champions Trophy as Mohali makes its international debut

India will be aiming for a record extended seventh appearance in the finals of the Asian Champions Trophy when they take on Korea in the semi-finals on Wednesday, November 4. The occasion will be even more special as Mohali prepares to host its first ever international hockey match at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY: FULL REPORT

India and Korea will battle it out to reach the finals, while Malaysia will face Japan in the next four matches. Wednesday’s action will begin the fifth-sixth place play-off between Bangladesh and China ahead of two semi-finals that will bring down the curtain on a historic day for Mohali. Excitement is already building as the city prepares to welcome international hockey for the first time.

The tournament had an encouraging turnout during the league stage matches in Jalandhar, with India putting on a dominant display in front of the home crowd. The team will be hoping for similar support in Mohali as they look to take another step towards the title. However, standing in their way is a transitioning Korean side that India are expected to overcome.

DOMINANT INDIA HAVE ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT?

Considering India’s performances in the league stage, there is no reason to doubt their recognition as title favourites. The home side were in great form, winning all five of their head-to-head games and finishing unbeaten at the top of the table.

India scored 34 goals and conceded just five during the league phase, underscoring their dominance at both ends of the pitch. Their attacking threat also extended across the forward line, with Sukhjeet Singh and Dilpreet Singh emerging as key contributors with four goals apiece.

Abhishek also chipped in with three wickets despite an injury ruling him out of the previous game. Captain Harmanpreet Singh heads the scoring charts, having found the net nine times in the tournament. His colleague Jugraj Singh chipped in with three goals, further highlighting India’s depth in the penalty corner specialist area.

The upcoming clash with Korea also gives India an opportunity to build on their recent dominance over their Asian rivals. Before beating them 8-0 in Jalandhar, India recorded an emphatic 8-2 win over Korea during the Asian Games in Nagoya. This remains their largest margin of victory against Korea in a continental exhibition.

Despite their formidable numbers and attacking firepower, India have one area they will want to address ahead of the knockout stages.

Four matches after a 13-0 demolition of Bangladesh in the second quarter, India showed signs of vulnerability. The team lost control of the drive at times during this period, allowing opponents to get back into the game.

In their previous match against Korea in Jalandhar, India conceded as many as six penalty corners. Against China, Malaysia and Japan, the second quarter also proved to be a tricky one, with India conceding the equalizer before recovering in the last two quarters to turn things around.

However, India coach Craig Fulton played down the concerns after the win over Korea and insisted his team is in a good position.

“I think we’re in a good place. We scored eight goals and kept a clean sheet. I can’t complain. I’m happy with where we are,” Fulton said.

Still, the Indian coach was aware that the knockout stage brings a different kind of pressure, with little room for error. He stressed that his players cannot afford to be complacent regardless of their impressive record in the league stage.

“The pressure will be different. We need a good start, that will be key,” Fulton said.

With a place in the finals at stake and the home crowd expected to turn up in numbers, India will need to maintain the intensity from the opening whistle. Their dominance thus far has made them the team to beat, but the real test begins now. Another commanding performance would bring them within touching distance of another Asian Champions Trophy crown.

INDIA VS KOREA: HEAD TO HEAD

It has become increasingly difficult for Korea to gain a better position in India over the past decade. Their last regular-season win against an Indian team came in the 2013 Asia Cup final. They managed another notable victory in recent years when they defeated India in the final of the 2019 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, although that triumph came in a penalty shoot-out.

Even the overall numbers underline India’s advantage. In the 26 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, India have won 16 matches while seven encounters have ended in draws.

INDIA VS KOREA: TEAM NEWS

India’s biggest worry heading into the semi-finals will be star striker Abhishek’s fitness. The 27-year-old was forced off in the win against Malaysia after picking up an injury and subsequently missed the final game of the league stage against Korea.

His availability for the semi-finals remains uncertain, with Fulton admitting that the situation may require patience. Given the form of India’s front line, the hosts will be hoping they have enough firepower to cope if Abhishek is unavailable. However, his absence at such a crucial stage of the tournament would undoubtedly be a flop.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY: SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER 4

14:00: China vs. Bangladesh (5th-6th place match)

16:30: Japan vs. Malaysia (first semi-final)

7:00 PM: India Vs. South Korea (second semi-final)

ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINALS: LIVESTREAM DETAILS

The Asian Champions Trophy matches on November 4 will be telecast live in India on Star Sports Select 2. The matches will also be available for live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website.

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