India need to tighten its defence

India need to tighten its defence

KUALA lUMPUR, MAY 13: Having booked their berth for next year's World Cup, India will have to cut down on their defensive errors if they are to overcome an uncompromising South Korea for their maiden title in the Junior Asia Cup Men's Hockey Championship final here on Sunday.

The 1997 world runners-up, who despatched hosts Malaysia 2-1 in a well-fought semifinal on Friday to book their berth for the summit clash as well as claim a spot for next year's World Cup at Hobart (Australia), revealed several chinks in their defence that can prove too dear against the organised Korean attack.

The Indian juniors proved a jittery lot at the back against the fighting hosts on Friday and conceded possession with defender Len Aiyappa twice violating the five-yard rule while scooping the ball over the opponent leading to penalty corners and the last minute consolation goal for Malaysia.

Such errors against the well-oiled Koreans, who routed Japan 4-1 in the other semifinal, can sound their death knell.

``It's just another match. It's the final and that is the only difference. But we have played them in a tournament in Poland and then beat them 8-2 in a practice match before the Asia Cup. So I think we hold a psychological edge,'' coach CR Kumar said.

Korean coach Ahn Yong Duk, who had predicted the 4-1 semifinal victory, feels the final would go to strokes without picking the winner.

In the last Asia Cup, India were toppled in the final by Pakistan, but the latter were knocked out in the league stage here to be put out of the Hobart championship.

The Indians last time went all the way to the World Cup final against Germany at Milton Keynes in 1997 but with many classy youngsters in their ranks will aim to win at the Bukit Jalil stadium on Sunday before pegging their sights higher.

The Indians definitely will be looking to weed out the mistakes they made in the semi-final. But India played true to potential in both the forwardline as well as midfield which has carried them thus far without being beaten.

But Kumar backed the defenders. ``There was pressure at the back with Bipin Fernandez out with a yellow card. So the boys kind of panicked a bit. They will learn and not repeat these mistakes,'' he said.

It will be crucial against the speedy Koreans, who are capable of punishing any errors with lightning quick flicks and hits.

A classy forwardline will be India's biggest strength. Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur, both drawn from the senior ranks, along with Inderjit Singh, Prabhjot Singh and Amarjit Singh have enough firepower to finish a match in regulation time.

But so do the Koreans. Lee Jung Seon's penalty corner flicks have beaten the best of the goalkeepers. And Kim Joung Goo has been tremendous in the circle. Top of the `D' hits have been his forte and he has scored stunning goals and custodian Devesh Chauhan, who has had a great tournament.