India have qualified for the Super 4 stage after a 2-1 win over Japan in their opening match. In the Super 4s, India will face South Korea, the current champions, in the final match. However, the team must first beat Malaysia. Read on to find out who the other teams are in this tournament.
India beat Japan 2-1 in their opening match of the Super 4s
After a shaky first half, India took charge and started the second period with a lot of energy. They pressed Japan from right to left and had their moments, including a penalty corner save by Eika Nakamura. However, Japan’s defence stood firm and they only managed two goals. Japan dominated possession with 54%, with nine circle penetrations and four PCs. India were able to equalise with an SV Sunil goal.
India’s opening match at the Hockey Asia Cup 2022 has already provided an encouraging start to the Super 4s. The win against Japan was their best performance so far in the tournament. Manjeet Singh scored the opening goal in the seventh minute of the first half. Japan equalised a few minutes later when Takuma Niwa redirected a save from Suraj Karkera.
Defending champions India advance to the Super 4 stage of the tournament
Defending champions India have reached the Super 4 stage of the Hockey Asia Cup after defeating Indonesia 16-0. The result means that India will meet Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea in the knockout stage. After finishing fourth in Pool A, India will now face Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia in the Super 4s.
With Japan, India’s first game against Japan, India will face their arch-rivals and hope to retain their title. India will have to beat Japan if they are to win the tournament. Malaysia, on the other hand, will play South Korea in the Super 4 stage, and the winner will go through to the final.
Defending champions India face South Korea in their final match of the Super 4s
India have been impressive in the Super 4s. The defending champions hammered Indonesia 16-2, won 2-1 over Japan and played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Malaysia. Now they’ll face the Super 4s final against South Korea. The team will be led by Olympic gold medallist Birendra Lakra and experienced striker SV Sunil.
India took a 2-0 lead in the first quarter against South Korea after a quick start. After a penalty corner was awarded in the second minute, India was able to make some impressive attacks and build their attack. They kept the Korean defence on their toes, but India’s attack was thwarted by a double save from Korean goalkeeper Kim Jaehyeon.
India vs Malaysia
India are leading Malaysia 1-0 after the first quarter. Maninder Singh has been sent off for a tripping incident and India will now play with ten men. Both teams are showing good attacking form, with India in traditional Blue kit and Malaysia in white jersey. However, both teams will be missing key players for this match. India have already made their lead count as Nilam Sanjeep provided a cross for Razie Rahim to score a goal. However, the referee will review the goal to see if the ball stopped outside the striking circle.
India came back in the second half and were looking to get back into the game. However, Malaysia managed to score a goal within five minutes to level the game. A couple of minutes later, India conceded a penalty corner which was converted by Razie Rahim.
India vs Pakistan
India and Pakistan will play each other in the Asia Cup in 2022, which begins on 14 August. In the group stage, six teams will compete, with India topping Group A with two points from two games, while Pakistan is in the bottom half with zero points from two games. The Super 4 stage will determine which two teams progress to the next round, where the top two teams will play in the final on 11 September.
During the qualifying tournament for the 2022 Men’s Asian Games, the two best teams in the previous tournament qualified, as did the hosts. In addition, the two teams that advanced to the finals in the 2022 AHF Cup also qualified. The points table for the tournament features over 150 goals in 24 matches, which should make it a competitive tournament.
India vs Malaysia in their final match of the Super 4s
After an even first quarter, India are up 1-0 against Malaysia. In the 32nd minute, a low drag flick from Nilam Sanjeep found Vishnukant Singh who released the ball to the right and hit it powerfully into the back of the net. But Malaysian keeper Hafizuddin Othman made a good PC save to deny the Indian attacker his second goal. Malaysian striker Azrai also penetrated well but could not score.
In their final match, India will look to maintain their unbeaten run and seal the title at the Asia Cup. The team has a strong record against Malaysia, having won three out of their last four meetings. However, Malaysia are a dangerous opponent and a win against them is essential to ensure their qualification for the final.
India vs Pakistan in their final match of the Super 4s
India vs Pakistan in their final match at the Hockey Asia Cup 2022 could be a big game for both sides. The two sides play each other in their last match of Group A and the two top teams will qualify for the finals. The final will take place on September 11 in Singapore.
India will be hoping to reach the final of this tournament, after beating Pakistan 3-0 in their last practice match. India is ranked second in the Hockey Asia Cup 2022 points table after Japan and South Korea. The tournament begins May 23 and runs until June 1, 2022. In their first match, India had a narrow 5-2 defeat to Japan and a chance to progress to the Super 4 stage, but was unable to do so. Pakistan will have to win their next match to have a chance of advancing to the final.
