New Delhi: Defending champions India defeated Indonesia 16-0 in the Asia Cup men’s hockey tournament on Thursday to advance into the knockout stage. The win pushes Pakistan out of the tournament. Six goals were scored in the first two quarters before India came back strongly in the final two quarters to net 10 more goals.
Dipsan Tirkey was the star with five goals. Sudev Belimagga also scored a hat-trick. The dominant show by India was visible as the team had 43 circle penetrations, with 80 per cent possession.
SV Sunil, Pawan Rajbhar and Karthi Selvam scored a brace each while Uttam Singh and Nilam Sanjeep Xess scored a goal each.
Earlier in the day, Japan defeated Pakistan by 3-2 in the third round match of the Asia Cup. Besides India, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea qualified for the Super 4 stage.
Both India and Pakistan finished on four points each in Pool A behind Japan but the defending champions qualified for the Super 4s on the basis of a better goal difference (1). India were -3 in terms of goal difference before entering this game.
India fielded a young team in the tournament under the leadership of Sardar Singh alongside a handful of seniors like Birendra Lakra and SV Sunil.
India conceded a last minute goal to draw 1-1 against Pakistan in their tournament opener before being thrashed by Japan 2-5.
On the other hand, Malaysia marched into the Super 4s of Asia Cup as the table-toppers from Pool B with an 8-1 win against Bangladesh in their last preliminary league match. South Korea defeated Oman 5-1 to finish second in Pool B to stay in contention for a World Cup spot.
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