The Indian men's hockey team took a firm step towards an Asian Games gold and a ticket to the Paris Olympics, but not before surviving a scare from South Korea. In a pulsating semifinal in which India went from impressive to ordinary before pulling themselves together, Harmanpreet Singh and his men battled past the Koreans 5-3.
They will meet Japan in Friday's final who beat China 4-3 in the other semifinal.
The defence, which was barely tested in the pool phase of the competition, was put under the pump. India's search for the lead began early and they did well with ball possession and circle penetrations.
Hardik Singh pushed home the opening goal off a rebound in the fifth minute. The goal shook the Koreans as their defenders struggled to come together. Gurjant Singh seized an opportunity, and his deft pass was deflected by Mandeep Singh for a 2-0 lead. India further asserted their dominance with Lalit Upadhyay picking up a misfire from Surjeet Singh in front of an empty goal to slot home seconds before the end of the opening quarter.
Conceding penalty corners against an opposition which had dangermen like Jonghyun Jang and Manjae Jung in their ranks was suicidal and India paid for defensive lapses in the second quarter. In the 17th minute, when the focus was on Jang, the Koreans worked a variation and Jung slotted home.
Soon after the rustiness of the Indian defence showed up. Tactically, India looked at sea and the Koreans narrowed the gap in the 20th minute with goalkeeper Sreejesh down trying to cover an angle and Jung scoring off a deflection. Amit Rohidas added a goal with a powerful drag-flick.
Jung completed his hat-trick after half-time as the Indian defenders were caught napping during a penalty corner in the 42nd minute. With six minutes left, Abhishek scored a peach of a goal.
Mandeep stormed ahead but failed to find support outside the circle. With Mandeep's square pass intercepted, Abhishek came charging in to score with a scorching reverse hit.
Manpreet Singh then weighed in with his experience and skilful dribbling to keep position and see his team through.
