India vs South Korea Hockey Asia Cup 2022: Heartbreak for Indian men

They were one step away from setting up a title clash on Sunday, but Malaysia's Razie Rahim scored a hat-trick helping his team create a 3-3 draw against India in their second 'Super 4' encounter. India had triumphed over Japan 2-1 in their first match on Saturday.

India couldn't retain their spot in the Super 4s ranking

Japan have been disqualified because they lost two matches, while Malaysia will now face Japan in the summit clash on May 31. India could have advanced to the final if they had beaten South Korea, but the most formidable contenders in the sport didn't let the match slip out of their hands. Despite India taking the lead early into the match following Neelam Sanjeev's strike in the eighth minute. By the end of the first quarter, South Korea equalised the score. They crushed India's brief dominance in the first quarter when Ji Woo Cheon's shot found the back of the net. 

South Korea fought hard and put up an impressive show of defence 

They responded with another goal as Jang Jonghyun converted from the penalty corner late in the first quarter before Maninder Singh levelled the score in the 20th minute. Sheshe Gowda then rose to the occasion to restore India's lead. However, South Korea converted again in the second quarter, thanks to Kim Jung Hoo's efforts. Before half-time, the scores were levelled at 3-3. An open field goal from Mareeswaren Sakthivel challenged South Korea as they found themselves trailing again. 

However, Jung Manjae converted a brilliant assist and helped Korea find the equaliser right at the end of the third quarter. India then switched their gameplay to an attacking style, and Korea did everything they could to defend the goal post. The match ultimately ended in a draw, and the Koreans did a spectacular job in defending.