Asia Cup: India beat Indonesia 16-0 to enter Super 4s
India defeated Indonesia 16-0 in pool B and booked a place in Super 4s. Japan thrashed Pakistan 3-2 and allowed India a chance to advance to the next round, where they encountered Indonesia, and the Birendra Lakra-led team did not disappoint
India thrashes Indonesia 16-0India was compelled not just to target a win against hosts Indonesia but also to thrash them with a 15-goal margin to qualify for the Super 4s. The defending champions achieved their goal and scored another goal crushing Indonesia 16-0 to enter the second round of the continental competition.
The Indian team, lacking experience, held a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Pakistan and lost 2-5 to Asian Games champions Japan in their previous two Pool A matches. Because of their recent victory, India has chased out neighbours Pakistan out of the eight-team competition. Japan topped with nine points, with India and Pakistan finished with four, but India had more goals to their credit, giving them the upper hand. The top three teams in the Asia Cup will qualify for the World Cup next year in Odisha. Japan, Malaysia and South Korea have advanced to the Super 4s, while India has already qualified.
Indian coach Sardar Singh wants his team to improve for the upcoming matches
India took complete control of the match with 80 per cent possession resulting in 43 circle penetrations (to Indonesia's one) and 36 shots on goal (to one of the hosts). On Tuesday, India rectified their previous failure in scoring penalty corners against Japan by earning 21 short corners and converting eight. Indonesian goalkeepers Julius Rumaropen and Alam Fajar were actively trying to stop their opponent but couldn't. Rajbhar converted twice in the first quarter and started the goal-scoring bonanza. India managed to score three goals in the first two quarters.
They inched closer with four more goals in the third, after which Tirkey, forward Belimagga and Selvam took over the final 15 minutes with six goals. After the match, Rajbhar revealed that the win felt excellent and vital for the team. Now, India will face Japan in their first game of the Super 4s on Saturday. Former Indian captain Sardar Singh, who also coaches the squad, said that there is still room for improvement as they need to prepare for big matches in the coming days.
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