India thrash South Korea 8-0 to finish league unbeaten, set up Asian Champions Trophy semi-final rematch
Dilpreet Singh scored twice as India completed a perfect league stage in Jalandhar with five wins, and will meet Korea again in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
India ended the league phase of the men's Asian Champions Trophy in emphatic style on Monday, crushing South Korea 8-0 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.
The result was India's fifth win in five league matches, confirming the hosts at the top of the standings. They will now face Korea again in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 4 November, as the tournament moves to Mohali for the knockout stage. Japan and Malaysia meet in the other semi-final.
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Early blitz settles the contest
India took control in the first quarter. Dilpreet Singh opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a reverse hit, and Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 11th minute. Captain Harmanpreet Singh added a third with a low drag-flick in the 15th minute, giving India a 3-0 lead at the first break.
The second half brought a burst of goals in quick succession. Shilanand Lakra pounced on a rebound in the 33rd minute, and Sukhjeet Singh struck from close range a minute later. Sanjay then added another from a rebound in the 36th minute.
Dilpreet completed his brace in the 40th minute with a deflected goal near the end of the third quarter. Angad Bir Singh rounded off the scoring with a reverse-hit goal in the final minute of the match.
Momentum ahead of the knockouts
The big win continued a dominant campaign for India. They had beaten China 5-2, Japan 4-1 and Malaysia 4-2 earlier in the tournament, with Harmanpreet scoring a hat-trick against Malaysia on Sunday. India's defence also kept a clean sheet on Monday.
Coming into a knockout game against the same opponents can be tricky, as Korea will have studied Monday's defeat closely and are likely to adjust their approach. India's coaching staff will hope the team carries its finishing form into Wednesday's semi-final.
The medal matches, including the final, are scheduled for Thursday, 5 November, also in Mohali.
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