Asia Cup | Buoyant India hopes to book final spot

Five games into the tournament and two wins away from assuring itself of a World Cup spot, the Indian men’s hockey team has finally begun to look like the free-flowing machine it was expected to be during the Asia Cup. On Saturday, it would look to continue the momentum against China in its final Super 4s match.

A win would not only help India seal a final spot but prove a point to those who have been concerned with its laborious performances so far — that its victory against the same opponent in the opening match was deserved, that it has adjusted to the tough playing conditions well and, most importantly, not depended on other results to progress in the tournament. A draw would be suffice but it would not be enough to answer the questions.

India’s comprehensive win against Malaysia in its last outing on Thursday visibly eased the pressure on the players, who finally looked relaxed for perhaps the first time in the competition. Coach Craig Fulton insisted that nothing had changed except that sometimes things worked and sometimes they didn’t. But the changes were evident.

There was more intent and aggression but also a lot more control. Coach Craig Fulton had asked for more composure and the need to balance the expectations of the crowd while focusing on the structure and the players delivered. They would hope to do it again against China, which shocked defending champion Korea 3-0.

India’s midfield has been impressive so far but the forwards’ finishing has let it down before finally showing glimpses of its potential.

While Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Dilpreet Singh have had their chances, Shilanand Lakra, returning to national duty after almost two years of injury lay-off, has done well.

Surprisingly, the experienced Mandeep Singh has not really had much to do but a few times he has proved why he is so highly rated. One would expect him to take charge more and be the strike force instead of simply playing a supporting role.

Hardik and Vivek have been tireless in the middle and Sumit and Manpreet, as attacking midfielders, have been consistently troubling the opposition.

The defence has been the weak point more than once and Krishan Pathak’s form has been less than optimal. Fulton has refused to single anyone out but Having conceded seven out of the eight goals let in by India so far, the goalkeeper would be hoping to shake off any self-doubts.

The one area China has been better than almost everyone is that the penalty corner conversion, combined with its stubborn, deep and accurate defence, has helped the team. However, that singular gameplay can also be its weakness given that the team has not really tried anything different. Denying them the space and opportunity inside the circle may help India curb the threat to a large extent.

Malaysia, meanwhile, would be hoping to shrug off the defeat to reach its third Asia Cup final when it plays holder Korea, which needs a win to keep its slim hopes alive.

Saturday’s matches: 7-8 playoff: Taiwan vs Kazakhstan (2.30 p.m.); Super 4s: Korea vs Malaysia (5 p.m.), India vs China (7.30 p.m.).