Korea
emerged champions of the Asia Cup when they edged India 4-3 in a pulstating
final at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh.
However
the loudest cheers probably came from the Malaysian team who have now
officially confirmed their place in the 2014 World Cup to be held at The Hague.
Germany, Argentina and England
qualified from the World League ,Johor Bahru leg while Belgium, Australia and
Netherlands made it from the Rotterdam leg. But since the Dutch qualify as
hosts, New Zealand, the highest (FIH) ranked fourth finisher in the World
League semis, became the seventh team to qualify.
That left five more slots to fill.
Korea (fourth in Johor Bahru) qualified as first reserve courtesy Argentina’s
victory in the Pan-American Cup, Spain (fifth in Rotterdam) qualified as second
reserve thanks to Germany’s win in the European championship.
India
will now have to wait until the Oceania Championships this November to book
their berth which is virtually assured as either Australia or New Zealand win
will drag India into the World Cup.
This
is Korea’s fourth Asia Cup title and they have successfully defended the title
they won in Kuantan four years ago.
After
a rather subdued 20 minutes, Korea burst into life to take a 2-0 lead within
the space of a minute.
Jang
Jong Hyun converted a penalty corner in the 28th minute to give
Korea a 1-0 lead. And hardly had the cheers died down that You hyo Sik ghosted
in from the right to tap the ball into goal with Indian keeper PR Sreejesh and
defender Amit Rohidas both caught unawares to make it 2-0.
Rupinderpal
Singh reduced the deficit for India in the 48th minute as his
penalty corner drag flick sailed into the roof of the Korean net. And in the 56th
minute India were on level terms as Nikkin Thimmalah sent in an unstoppable
reverse stick hit sailing into goal from the edge of the semi circle.
However
Korea were awarded a penalty stroke when the attempt by Jang bounced off
Sreejesh and hit the body of Manpreet Singh on the goal line. Nam Hyun Woo
stepped up to convert and restore the Korean lead in the 57th
minute.
But
Nam lost the ball at the edge of the semi circle and Ramandeep Singh squared it
to Mandeep Sing who tapped it into goal to draw India level yet again in the 65th
minute.
Korea
scored the winner two minutes from time as Kang Moon Kweon scored from a
penalty corner set piece to give them the title, and assure the Malaysian spot
at the World cup.
RESULTS
Final:
South
Korea 4 India 3
Third-Fourth
Malaysia
1 Pakistan 3
ROLL OF HONOUR
Man
of the Match (final): Kang Moon Kweon (S Korea)
Best
Goalkeeper: PR Sreejesh (India)
Top
Scorer: Jang Jong Hyun (Korea, eight goals)
Most
Outstanding Player: VR Raghunath (India)
Fairplay:
Japan.
