Asian Champions Trophy: India secure semi-finals spot after 3-1 win over Korea

India extended their unbeaten run in the Asian Champions Trophy with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over.

Korea on September 12, which also sealed their spot in the semi-final of the tournament with a group-stage game still to play. The defending champions continued to dominate, showcasing a blend of youth and experience that has been pivotal in their title defence.

As with their previous matches, India started aggressively, putting Korea on the back foot from the outset. Araijeet Singh opened the scoring for India just eight minutes into the first quarter, setting the tone for the match. This early strike was quickly followed by a goal from captain Harmanpreet Singh, who delivered a powerful drag-flick just a minute later, doubling India’s lead.

Despite India’s early dominance, Korea managed to pull one back just before halftime, injecting a sense of urgency and hope into their game. This goal narrowed the deficit to just one, creating a tense atmosphere as both teams headed into the second half.

The match remained tightly contested until the third quarter, when Harmanpreet Singh once again stepped up to restore India’s two-goal cushion. His second goal, scored off a penalty corner in the dying minutes of the third quarter, was crucial in alleviating the pressure on the Indian side.

The final quarter saw end-to-end action, and even some scintilating saves from India goalkeeper and player of the match Suraj Karkera. However, India’s defence held firm, ensuring that Korea could not capitalize on their chances. The 3-1 victory further solidified India’s position as the favorites to retain their title in the tournament.

With this win, India not only extended their unbeaten streak but also set the stage for their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. As the tournament progresses, India’s mix of attacking prowess and solid defense continues to make them the team to beat in the Asian Champions Trophy.