India strengthened their final chances with a dramatic 2-1 win over Korea in a round-robin league match of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy hockey tournament at the Lee Valley Centre here on Tuesday.
India strengthened their final chances with a dramatic 2-1 win over Korea in a round-robin league match of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy hockey tournament at the Lee Valley Centre here on Tuesday.
It seemed like there would be repeat scenes of their opening game against Germany where they conceded an equaliser three minutes from the hooter, before Nikkin Thimmaiah came up with the winner in the 57th minute.
After enjoying a chunk of possession and territory, India were put ahead by a S.V. Sunil strike in the 39th minute while Korea hit back with a 57th minute goal from Ju-hun Kim. Thimmaiah scored immediately after on a counter attack, as India saw off the final few moments in a tense encounter.
Earlier, India dominated the opening two quarters, keeping ball possession and enjoying a large share of attacks, entering the Koran circle 11 times as opposed to one.
The team though were unable to convert half chances, even as strikers Mandeep Singh. Sunil and Akashdeep kept the defenders engaged.
Korea, who had shocked Belgium in their opening game before losing to Australia and Great Britain, played a withdrawn game and looked off-colour in attack.
Sunil earned the breakthrough with a brilliant strike in the 39th minute after he made his way past the defence from the half line. He beat them with his speed and following a quick exchange with Akashdeep, tapped the ball in from close range to bring home a delightful goal.
