In a high-scoring Asia Cup 2022 affair, defending champions India missed out on the final spot after a riveting 4-4 draw. South Korea advanced to the final on the basis of goal difference. The inexperienced Birendra Lakra-led side failed to defend the title.
In the first quarter, India were on the charge straightaway and earned a penalty corner in the second minute. Nilam Sanjeep's drag-flick was saved by the Korean keeper. Few minutes later, India got another penalty corner and Sanjeep managed to find the back of the net. In the 13th minute South Korea managed to find the equaliser as drag-flick specialist Jang Jonghyun scored from penalty corner.
India were on the charge early in second quarter as well but Ji Woo Cheon provided the lead for Korea after a mistake by Indian defense to leave him unmarked. India earned a penalty corner shortly and Maninder Singh converted it into a goal. In the next minute, India took the lead with Sheshe Gowda scoring an excellent field goal.
South Korea were desperate to find the equaliser again. They got back-to-back penalty corners as well but failed to score. In the 27th minute, Uttam Singh got a green card. One man down, Indian defense was breached again with Kim Junghoo scoring a field goal. At half-time, the scoreline read 3-3.
South Korea looked to get a lead early in the third quarter. In the 35th minute, Kim Hyeongjin got a green card. India made full use of it and Mareeswaran scored a field goal from inside the circle. South Korea committed a mistake India made in the second quarter. In the 37th minute, India took the lead.
In the dying stages of the third quarter, Jung Manjae levelled the scores with a field goal after South Korea were denied a penalty corner due to video referral. Earlier in 42nd minute, Siwach Yashdeep was shown the yellow card which left India exposed.
No goals were scored in the fourth quarter. South Korea were not as aggressive. Till the 53rd minute, there were no shots on goal. Players were found fighting it out in the middle of the pitch. In the dying moments of the game, India took a video referral for penalty corner but it did not go their way. The game ended with 4-4 as India narrowly missed out on the final spot against Malaysia.
While South Korea will have a chance to add another trophy in their cabinet, Malaysia will eye their maiden Asia Cup win.
