India Advances to Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Final
India cruised into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 following a comfortable 4-1 victory over South Korea, in part due to a standout performance from their captain Harmanpreet Singh. Setting up a summit clash against host nation China, the team rode on the back of their captain's brace.
Just as in their previous league match against South Korea, India opened the scoring in the first quarter. This time, a well-executed field goal masterminded by Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasahe saw Uttam Singh find the net.
South Korea responded swiftly with two penalty corners but squandered both opportunities by bypassing tournament top-scorer Yang Ji-hun's ability to deliver a direct dragflick goal.
India took advantage of the wasted opportunities, with Harmanpreet notching a second goal early in the second quarter that solidified India's lead. Further solidifying their dominance, Jarmanpreet Singh added to India's tally shortly after half-time.
Barely giving Korea time to regroup, Sumit Walmiki played a stunning cross-field ball which was seized by Jarmanpreet in the circle, leaving the Korean goalkeeper no time to react.
South Korea managed to claw back a goal through Ji-hun's successful dragflick, but India remained undeterred. A blunder outside the circle by Korean goalkeeper Kim Jae-han led to Harmanpreet making it 4-1 from the penalty corner.
With this substantial win, India now prepares to face host country China in the finals. The hosts reached the final stage after a shootout victory over Pakistan. As India won 3-0 against China in the opening match of the tournament, they will enter the finals as clear favourites.
