Jong jolts India

HYDERABAD, July 24: Playing like a cohesive unit DPR Korea shell shocked hosts and favourites India by a solitary first-half goal, while ...

HYDERABAD, July 24: Playing like a cohesive unit DPR Korea shell shocked hosts and favourites India by a solitary first-half goal, while Pakistan were held to a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan on the opening day of the eigth Asian Junior under-16 Group D football championship qualifying round league matches played here tonight.

Korea team playing like a well-oiled machine scored the all-important goal in the 16th minute of the first half when off a counter attack Ri Yong Gwang gave a cross pass to the unmarked Kim Il Jong who gently tapped the ball with his left foot and saw the ball roll into the Indian goal after deflecting from the goal post.

In the earlier match travel weary Pakistan, after a barren first-half, scored through left-winger Muhammad Abit in the 56th minute of the match.

Kazakhstan netted the equaliser ten minutes before the long whistle from substitute Tarassov Oleg.

The Indian team did not not rise to the occasion but by the time the complacent Indian team settled down, they wereshocked to see the rival side leading by a 16th minute first-half goal.

The home team could have gone into the lead but the two headers from their star striker Trijit Dass hissed over the Korean bar.

However, late in the second half, India opened out and tried to score against the run of play but in vain. The Korean defence was solid like a rock. The Korean side used the shot ground passes to the hilt, which upset the India8217;s calculation.

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In the earlier match, Pakistan playing with only a dozen players gave a pleasing display of their skills despite arriving here late.

After a barren first half Pakistan scored in the 56th minute when Zahid Niaz gave a crisp pass to the unmarked Muhammad Abid. The nippy forward executed a powerful left footer which saw the ball sail into the Kazakhstan goal like a bullet.

Ten minutes before the end of play Kazakhstan netted the equaliser, when substitute Tarassov Olge scored off a pass from Yurin Igor.

Tomorrow is a rest day.