India has to spruce up its defence against South Korea

KUALA LUMPUR, MAY 13. Having booked its berth for next year's World Cup, India will have to cut down on its defensive errors if it is to overcome an uncompromising South Korea for its maiden title in the junior Asia Cup men's hockey championship final here on Sunday.

The 1997 world runner-up, which despatched host Malaysia 2-1 in a well-fought semifinal to set up a summit clash as well as claim a spot for next year's World Cup at Hobart (Australia), revealed several chinks in its defence that can prove too dear against the organised Korean attack.

The Indian juniors proved a jittery lot at the back against the fighting host and conceded possession with defender Len Aiyappa twice violating the five-yard rule while scooping the ball over the opponent leading to penalty corners and the last minute consolation goal for Malaysia.

Such errors against the well-oiled Koreans, who routed Japan 4-1 in the other semifinal, can sound India's death knell. ``It's just another match. It's the final and that is the only difference. But we have played them in a tournament in Poland and then beat them 8-2 in a practice match before the Asia Cup. So I think we hold a psychological edge,'' coach C.R. Kumar said.

Korean coach Ahn Yong Duk, who had predicted the 4-1 semifinal victory, feels the final would go to strokes without picking the winner.

In the last Asia Cup, India was toppled in the final by Pakistan, but the latter was knocked out in the league stage here to be put out of the Hobart championship.

The Indians last time went all the way to the World Cup final against Germany at Milton Keynes in 1997 but with many classy youngsters in their ranks will aim to win at the Bukit Jalil stadium on Sunday before pegging their sights higher.

The Indians definitely will be looking to weed out the mistakes they made in the semifinal. But India played true to potential in both the forwardline as well as midfield which has carried them thus far without being beaten.

But Kumar backed the defenders. ``There was pressure at the back with Bipin Fernandez out with a yellow card. So the boys kind of panicked a bit. They will learn and not repeat these mistakes,'' he said. It will be crucial against the speedy Koreans, who are capable of punishing any errors with lightning quick flicks and hits.

A classy forwardline will be India's biggest strength. Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur, both drawn from the senior ranks, alongwith Inderjit Singh, Prabhjot Singh and Amarjit Singh have enough firepower to finish a match in regulation time.

But so do the Koreans. Lee Jung Seon's penalty corner flicks have beaten the best of the goalkeepers. And Kim Joung Goo has been tremendous in the circle. Top of the `D' hits have been his forte and he has scored stunning goals and custodian Devesh Chauhan, who has had a great tournament, will be tested.

Chauhan has been a great source of strength. In the semifinal against Malaysia, he stopped six out of 10 penalty corners, charging out and using the pads to superb effect.

But India's trump card has been the midfield comprising Bimal Lakra, Arjun Halappa, Bipin Fernandez and Prabodh Tirkey. Instead of just pushing balls through, they have shown the ability to understand the nuances of holding and creating the right moves.

Prabodh Tirkey, just 15 years and four months old, has been a tremendous find with almost every coach saying he is probably the best in the world in his age-group.

If the midfield can once again have Korea and the game in its grip, it very difficult not to see India as winner.

Pakistan finishes fifth

Pakistan, winner of the last edition of the junior men's Asia Cup hockey tournament, had to be satisfied with the fifth slot this year.

It beat China 3-0 with all the goals coming in the first half. Initially China matched Pakistan move for move. The Pakistanis had to wait till the 13 minute for their first goal which came through Muddsar Ali Khan. Skipper Kashif Javaid consolidated the lead a minute later.

The third goal came in the in the 16th minute through a penalty stroke which was converted by Atif Mushtaq.

- PTI

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