After a disappointing draw with Korea, the Indian Hockey Men’s team has defeated the Malaysian team 4-1, and entered the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup as the top standing in Super 4s.
Little pressure at the start
As the match started there was a little pressure built on the team as Shafiq Hassan gave Malaysia the lead, but defensive breakdown for India helped them gain the lead. In the first quarter of the match, India did not manage to perform that well, there was a lack of sharpness in the attacks, and they hardly challenged the goalkeeper. Besides, their decision wasn’t apt and many times the move was misplaced.
Momentum gained in the second quarter
In the second quarter, five back-to-back penalties happened for India, it was only after Harmanpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh who helped reach equaliser. After gaining this momentum, Arjuna Awardee Sukhjeet Singh’s attack helped India move ahead 2-1. As the game reached halfway, Dilpreet Singh moved the ball midfield and handed it over to Shilanand, who swiftly deflected it past the goalkeeper, making 3-1. This followed Manpreet teaming up with Vivek Sagar Prasad and making another lead of 4-1 and with this India won the match.
Coach expects the best, that is awaited
Indian team’s Head coach Craig Fulton post the match said that the focus should be on seeking excellence, “still not there”. He further noted that after the 2-2 draw with South Korea, the team has performed much better but a lot more is expected. “We played well, we are in a good place, some days it doesn’t go the way you want. We created enough chances. We are getting it right at the moment. It works in one and it doesn’t work in the other game.”
He also noted that it happens with the best teams and he is proud of the boys. “We conceded first, but then, we scored goals and then another one. The structure and the details, the devil is always in the details. We observe more, see and feel more, and then decide we have to do something. So, it’s all about composure and not having to rush. But we are still not there. When we get there, it’s going to be very good,” he noted.