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India, Pak in line for final clash

Harpal Singh Bedi in Bangkok

Expectations of an India-Pakistan final in the men's hockey event of the ongoing Asiad have been heightened after a semifinal match-up tomorrow was avoided between the sub-continental rivals.

On Monday, India upset defending champions South Korea for a perfect record in Pool B while Pakistan topped Pool A with three wins and a draw.

In the semifinals tomorrow, Pakistan meets South Korea, after which India will cross swords with Japan.

India, following their morale-boosting win against South Korea in their concluding league fixture, are expected to overwhelm the Japanese.

India's showing upto now has been quite excellent, though in patches they have tended to slacken as they did against the Koreans in the second-half.

But, man-to-man, India look a far superior outfit to Japan, but then, one has to reckon with the 1966 champions' inconsistency that has often confounded even their staunchest supporters.

However, the indications are that India will pull through on the basis of their collective strength, and especially since all the players seem to be in good form.

In the run-up to the semifinals, the Indian forward line has shown a rare understanding and sharpness, though it was not much in evidence at the finish. But the ability to break through even the tightest of defences like that of South Korea must be viewed as a positive sign.

Skipper and centre-forward Dhanraj Pillay and left-winger Baljit Singh Dhillon have had an outstanding tournament so far. Much of India's chances revolve around this explosive combination.

However, right-winger Mukesh Kumar and inside-right Sabu Varkey have been distinctly off-colour, and should they also click on the morrow, then it should provide for a smooth sailing for the Indians.

India's deep defence has also performed capably with full-backs Dilip Tirkey and Anil Aldrin looking solid and confident. Similarly, the half-line also has performed adequately, giving the Indian team a balanced look.

Thus, Japan should not be too difficult a challenge and it will be no surprise if the high-flying Indians sweep to a big victory.

If Pakistan and India make it to the final, then it will be their first title clash since 1990 when the former won 3-2. Their previous meeting was in the 1982 Delhi Asiad when Pakistan triumphed 7-1.

UNI