Pakistan Reached Semi Final of Asia Cup 2009 Hockey, Beating India 3-2
Pakistan men’s hockey team defeated India 3-2, and thus, reaching the semi final of Asia Cup 2009 tournament. Pakistan earlier drew with China 1-1 in their tournament opener. Though India took an early lead in the match, Pakistan did not take long to equalize before taking leads in subsequent goals. It was an exciting affair between the two arch-rivals as both sides played attacking hockey throughout the match.
With this victory, Pakistan has taken a sweet revenge of their defeat to India in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament. In order to make it to the semi final, India now has to win over China in their last pool match. However, it would not be very easy for Team India as China also played attacking hockey in their first match against Pakistan and held them to a 1-1 draw.
India is the defending champion in the competition as they won the 7th Asia Cup event at their home ground in 2007. Naturally, India was considered to be the most favorite for the tournament, given India’s recent excellent performance. India recently won the title of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia, before winning a hockey test series against New Zealand on New Zealand soil. So, it would be a huge disappointment for Indian hockey fans as well as for the players, if India fails to get into the last four of the tournament.
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