India to face experienced Korea on Tuesday

A relatively young Indian hockey team will have to play out of their skin and avoid silly errors against a formidable South Korea on Tuesday.

A relatively young Indian hockey team will have to play out of their skin and avoid silly errors against a formidable South Korea here tomorrow if they desire to keep their unbeaten run intact at the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy.

Having started the tournament on a high with a 5-0 pounding of hosts China,India suffered a setback of sorts when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Japan,largely due to a lapse in concentration from the defensive line which led to a last-minute equaliser.

But against the nimble-footed Koreans the Indians cannot afford to relax at any moment as a defeat at this stage of the tournament can jeopardise their chances of a podium finish.

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Unlike China and Japan,the Indians are also aware that the Koreans are a much superior opposition side in terms of fitness as well as experience.

India would be eyeing an outright win as a defeat or another draw can make life difficult for the Rajpal Singh-led side ahead of tough fixtures against Guangzhou Asian Games gold-medallist champions Pakistan and runners-up Malaysia.

Under new coach Micheal Nobbs,the Indians have exhibited a new style of hockey in this tournament — a blend of Indias aggression and Australias sharpness — which so far paid dividends for the erstwhile Asian giants.

But India has a chance against the experienced Koreans if they can hold their rivals in the midfield and cut the runs down the flanks.

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The Indian defence of Rupinder Pal Singh and V Raghunath have played well so far in this tournament but need more experience to soak pressure.

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