India beat Pakistan by 4-0 in Sultan Johor Junior Hockey Cup
- September 25, 2013, 8:24 pm
- Sports News
- 172 Views
Johor Baru, September 25 (Online): India turned on a sizzling display of attacking hockey to defeat Pakistan 4-0 in a clash of the archrivals at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2013 in Johor Baru.
The defeat was Pakistan’s first in the tournament while India remains unbeaten an on course for a place in Sunday’s final.
India are a win away from the final and should achieve it by defeating South Korea on Thursday while Pakistan face a daunting task of trying to get a win over hosts Malaysia. Pakistan started off on a fast pace while India was contend with stroking the ball around, awaiting the Pakistani players to make mistakes.
It was Pakistan that had a first look at goal via a penalty corner by Mohammad Tousiq in the 5th minute. But Indian custodian Harjot Singh was equal to the task. Pakistan then had India pinned in defence as Umar Bhutta, Muhammad Dilber and Muhammad Umair strung some neat passes together but could not pose a danger on the goal.
India was awarded a penalty corner in the 15th minute and Amit Rohidass drag flick came off the upright. It was a rather lackluster affair for the rest of the half as play was confined to the midfield area. India came out of the tunnel looking refreshed in confidence and took two minutes to win a penalty corner.
Amit Rohidass relayed the ball to Sukhmanjit Singh whose pile driver of a flick sailed into the roof off the net to give India a1-0 lead. And suddenly Pakistan were put on the back foot as India rallied in search of more goals and they were duly rewarded.
Imran Khan doubled the advantage in the 45th minute after a fine dribble by Harjeet Singh on the right flank and made a square pass to Imran Khan to slot into an empty goal with Mazhar wrong footed.
Barely had the cheers died down that India were awarded a penalty stroke when Ramandeep Singh was brought down in full flight by Tousiq. Up-stepped Sukhmanjit to put the ball past Mazhar for a 3-0 lead.
In the 61st minute Kothajit Singh broke through on the left and set up a simple tap in for Ramandeep Singh to score India’s fourth and the humiliation was complete.
