**Rajgir, Bihar / September 2 (PTI):** The Indian men's hockey team enters the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup with high morale after an unbeaten run in the pool stage. They face a significant challenge against Korea, the defending champions and five-time winners, on Wednesday. India concluded their Pool A matches with victories over China (4-3), Japan (3-2), and a stunning 15-0 win against Kazakhstan on Monday. While the convincing win over Kazakhstan boosted their confidence, the previous matches against China and Japan were hard-fought. Korea, finishing second in Pool B behind Malaysia, has yet to find its best form. The Koreans were expected to dominate but suffered a surprising 4-1 defeat to Malaysia. However, with the Super 4 matches scheduled for evenings, unlike the challenging afternoon conditions, they may improve after a rest day on Tuesday. Monday’s game showcased India's strengths in all areas of play, from goalkeeping to attack. The forward line was particularly impressive, with Abhishek standing out by scoring four times. His excellent positioning and quick strikes were noteworthy. Sukhjeet Singh, who scored a hat-trick, displayed remarkable dribbling speed and composure inside the 'D'. Mandeep Singh also excelled with his stick-work throughout the tournament. However, Dilpreet Singh, despite scoring on Monday, has struggled and needs to improve. Indian coach Craig Fulton is pleased with the overall performance of the forwards, emphasizing their goal-scoring connection heading into the Super 4s. The midfield, led by veteran Manpreet Singh, along with Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sumit, and Rajinder Singh, has been exceptional. Defenders Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, and Sanjay have delivered solid performances under the leadership of captain Harmanpreet Singh. Goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Krishan Bahadur Pathak also uplifted their game, especially against Kazakhstan. Fulton cautions against judging the team’s performance based on the match against Kazakhstan as the real challenge now begins, with previous results having little bearing. Confidence remains high, which Fulton believes will help the team progress further. One of the highlights for India is the penalty corner conversion prowess featuring a formidable drag-flicking lineup led by Harmanpreet Singh. Against Kazakhstan, Harmanpreet, Jugraj, Sanjay, and Rohidas all found the net from set pieces, with Jugraj scoring a hat-trick and proving strong in defense. The Super 4 stage promises a fresh start for India, Korea, China, and Malaysia, with each team facing the others in a bid to reach the final on Sunday. This Asia Cup serves as a direct qualifier for the World Cup to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands next year from August 14 to 30. In another Super 4 matchup, Malaysia takes on an improving China side earlier in the day. Teams: India: Krishan B Pathak (GK), Suraj Karkera (GK), Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh. Korea: Daehan Ang (GK), Jihun Yang, Cheoleon Park, Jinkang Rim, Dain Son, Jungjun Lee (C), Jongsuk Bae, Seyong Oh, Jaewon Sim, Sunghyun Baek, Soung Min Bae, Jaehan Kim (GK), Geonhyo Jin, Hyeonhong Kim, Seungwoo Lee, Min Su Cheon, Yoonho Kong, Hyeseung Lee.
Match starts at 7:30 PM.
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