Jakarta, May 31 (Bureau) India’s title clash hopes were dashed after South Korea played a 4-4 draw in the last Super 4 class of the Hero Asia Cup here at GBK Stadium on Tuesday. After the fourth hooter went off, the Koreans were rejoicing and Indian faces looked gloomy. Korea advanced to the finals due to a superior goal difference. For India to qualify for the finals, it was mandatory for them to register an outright victory, but could not materialise. Korea will take on Malaysia in the summit clash and India lock horns with Japan for third place in the tournament.
While Nilam Sanjeep Xess (9?), Maninder Singh (21?), Sheshe Gowda BM (37?), and Mareeswaran Shakthivel (37?) scored the goals for India, Jang Jonghyun (13?), Ji Woo Cheon (18?), Kim Jung Hoo (28?), and Jung Manjae (44?) scored the goals for Korea in the tight contest. Both teams showcased dogged determination from start to finish. Nilam Sanjeep opened the account for India in the first quarter through a penalty corner in the 8th minute. Korea roared back by punching in two goals before Maninder Singh smoked the equaliser in the 20th minute. In the next minute, Sheshe Gowda put India ahead but an exquisite strike by Kim Junghoo in the 27th minute put Korean team back on par with India. Mareeswaran Shakthivel scored the fourth goal for India in the third quarter, but India lost the lead after Korea’s Jung Manjae smacked an equaliser just before the third hooter reverberated in the stadium. In desperation, India went for an all-out attack in the fourth quarter but Korea negated the forays by crowding their half with almost all players. India tried for a goal in the final 30 seconds amidst commotion. Despite a good attempt, the Korean goalkeeper and the defence averted the danger. Maninder Singh pushed for a referral, but due to unclear vision it was declared a free hit.