Touted as the dress rehearsal for the Gold Medal match in Men’s Hockey, Pakistan narrowly edged past their arch rivals India 2-1 in the men’s Pool B match. With this win, Pakistan are set to top the Pool with a game still to be played.
After winning their first two games against Sri Lanka and Oman, a confident India took on arch-rivals Pakistan in their final Pool B match at the Soenhak Hockey Stadium, Incheon. Both the team started steadily as Pakistan began to exert a lot of influence on the Indian defence. Both the teams failed to convert their Penalty Corners as the scores remained 0-0 at the end of first quarter.
India’s drag flicker V Raghunath completely looked off colour as he missed the chances that came his way. India gained momentum and started penetrating into Pakistan’s half but their defense stood like rock in front of the goal as the second quarter ended goalless.
Minutes after the third half began, Umar Bhutta put the defending champions in front as the Indians continued to press hard. A low scoring thriller was on the cards when Nikkin Thimmaiah scores and India are back on level terms. Pakistan srtiked immediately through Mohammad Waqas who scored the winner with fifteen minutes to go for the hooter. India failed to romp in a second one and eventually lost the match 1-2. India face China in their last league match on Saturday.