India rejoiced as the Indian men’s hockey team beat Pakistan 4-0 in its final group match of the Asian Champions Trophy on August 9. The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai became a witness to an exhilarating match that left the Indians spellbound.
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With this dominating win, India finished on the top of the table and will take on fourth-placed Japan in the semi-finals. India is moving to the semifinals unbeaten in the round-robin match. It now leads the standings with 13 points after four wins and one draw.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice (15’, 23’) which powered the Indian team’s victory while Jugraj Singh (36’) and Akashdeep Singh (55’) scored crucial goals to gift India the match against its arch-rivals.
Pakistan started off well, by repeatedly entering the Indian circle. However, the Indian defence remained focused and prevented all the Pakistan’s chances. Pakistan’s first attempt at a goal came in the form of a penalty corner, which was saved beautifully Krishan Bahadur Pathak. Pakistan appealed for a penalty corner in the ninth minute after three Indian attacking attempts from Karthi Selvam, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Mandeep Singh, but the video referee ruled against the Men in Green.
Meanwhile, the Men in Blue converted their opportunities into goals, with Harmanpreet converting a penalty corner into a goal with a powerful low flick to the left of Pakistan custodian Akmal. In the 23rd minute, India won their second penalty corner, and Harmanpreet scored with a fierce drag-flick in between Pakistan goalkeeper Akmal’s legs to double the lead.
After the change of ends, India secured another penalty corner six minutes into the third quarter. Meanwhile, India fourth goal was overturned after a video referral for the dangerous ball. Selvam passed the ball comfortably inside the box to an unmarked Akashdeep, who pushed the ball wide with an open net in front of him, giving the Indians another chance.
Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament on goal difference despite finishing with the same five points as Korea and Japan. Pakistan needed a draw or a one-goal loss to advance to the semifinals.