Monday, May 07, 2012

INDIA IN SEMIS


India defeated China 2-1 to book a place in the semi finals of the 7th Junior Asia Cup in Malacca, Malaysia this evening.

But they have to play a waiting game to see if they finish on the top of Group B and avoid hosts Malaysia in the last four.

For that to happen India has to pray that Pakistan fail to overcome Sri Lanka by a 12 goal margin.

India opened scoring in the 20th minute through Antil Naveen. But they wasted numerous chance to further consolidate the lead.

China were on level terms in the 47th minute as Yu Xin dived at full stretch to steer the ball past Indian custodian Tirkey Sushant.

But any chances of an upset were dispelled in the 57th minute when Amit Rohidass converted a penalty corner.

“The effects of the Pakistan match was felt today and the players did not play to their true potential as a result,” said Indian coach Baljit Singh Saini.

“Now we have to wait and see who we play in the semis. Malaysia is the better side and obviously we want to avoid them.”