NEWS
SCHEDULES
COLUMNS
PREVIOUS TOURS
OTHER SPORTS
STATISTICS
INTERVIEWS
SLIDE SHOW
ARCHIVES

Fireworks in store when India takes on China

Expect plenty of fireworks when 4th Junior Men's Asia Cup favourites India take on China in what promises be a thrilling Group B tie at the Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium tonight.

The Indians, who huffed and puffed to beat Bangladesh 5-1 on opening day, are likely to face a stiffer challenge from the Chinese, who scared the living daylights out of the Japanese side yesterday.

Having only arrived in Kuala Lumpur the night before, China was not expected to put up much of a fight but took a three-goal lead within six minutes before the Malaysian humidity took its toll.

The Chinese eventually lost 3-4 with the winning Japanese goal coming from a penalty stroke in the last minute.

Despite the defeat, Chinese coach Zhang Qingyu was happy with his team's performance.

"The boys were told to defend and hit on the break and they did just that. The three quick goals were a bonus,"he said.

Zhang blamed the humidity for the poor second half display by the team.

"The team was based in Northern China which is windy and not as humid. The players, being young and inexperienced, were not ready for such a change especially when the Japanese increased the tempo," he said.

Zhang however said he expects the team to put up a much better performance against India today.

In other matches, expect another goal fest when Korea take on Singapore in a Group A tie. The Koreans hit 13 past Chinese Taipei on Wednesday while the Singaporeans also saw 13 against Pakistan, from the receiving end.

Uzbekistan and Iran face each other in another Group B tie which should be the relative calm before the India versus China storm.

Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com