Five matches, 5 wins, 21 targets scored, three conceded and a top-of-the-table end.

The India ladies’s hockey staff has made it to the semifinal of Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi with an ideal file. They scored seven previous Thailand (7-1), 5 every towards Malaysia (5-0) and South Korea (5-0) and secured shut wins (2-1) over China and Japan.

Here’s what labored for the staff up to now and what to be careful for earlier than they play South Korea within the semifinal on Saturday:

India present dominance and grit to stay unbeaten

The likes of China, South Korea and Japan had been anticipated to offer a troublesome combat to India contemplating all 4 groups are roughly on the identical stage. What has actually stood out was how India gained shut matches towards Asian Games gold medallists China and later Japan whereas additionally beating the opposite groups comfortably.

Against China, India took a 2-0 lead however got here underneath immense strain within the ultimate two quarters. China scored a purpose later, however India’s defence weathered a number of assaults to maintain a test on the scoreline and eked out a 2-1 victory. It was not the identical sample towards Japan, this time India pushing exhausting for a winner after their opponents equalised to make it 1-1. The second purpose got here from Sangita Kumari within the ultimate quarter after a collection of penalty corners, and India managed to carry on to the 2-1 lead for the subsequent 13 minutes to safe one other win.

While India’s attacking prowess towards Thailand and South Korea had been spectacular, it is the robust wins towards China and Japan that might’ve happy head coach Janneke Schopman extra.

Sangita Kumari, an entire ahead

A hat trick towards Thailand, targets towards Malaysia and Japan and a few beautiful assists towards South Korea. Playing in entrance of her house crowd, Sangita has proven that she’s greater than prepared to guide the Indian assault for the subsequent decade.

The targets had been all the time there in her, be it clever deflections, just like the winner towards Japan, or fierce tomahawks, just like the one she scored towards Malaysia. But it was towards the Koreans that the 21-year-old confirmed how a lot she improved as a participant. The first purpose India scored by way of Salima Tete was brilliantly arrange by Sangita, who collected the ball outdoors the circle, dribbled previous a few defenders and performed the clinching cross. She assisted once more within the match, when she had the possibility to shoot with loads of area round her, however as an alternative handed it to Salima once more who scored her second of the evening.

Schopman’s ways are working

Coming into the match, Schopman was underneath strain contemplating her staff missed their first shot at qualification for the Paris Olympics by not profitable the gold on the Asian Games. It might’ve gone unsuitable within the group stage itself however she has now guided the staff to a first-place end.

While sustaining the broader traits of the staff, like excessive urgent and fast transitions, Schopman made a small change, when it comes to enjoying Salima extra centrally. Salima, who’s one the very best on the wings due to tempo and management, proved to be equally efficient enjoying by the center. A smashing purpose from the centre towards China ensured India take a 2-0 lead after which she got here up with two beautiful finishes, working from the center, towards Korea to keep up her goal-scoring kind.

What to be careful for towards South Korea?

The excellent news is that the whole lot’s working for the staff. The not-so-good information is that they’re nonetheless two matches away from the trophy. Having performed such good hockey during the last 5 matches, a semifinal loss might be crushing for the staff.

Despite a giant win over the Koreans within the group stage, there’s not a giant gulf in high quality between each the groups. Just final month, India and South Korea performed out a 1-1 draw on the Asian Games. Korea made it to the semifinal and completed with a silver medal whereas India gained bronze.

At the Women’s Asia Cup final yr, it was the identical South Korea that defeated India within the semifinal. India have momentum on their facet and confidence of their stride. Schopman might be conscious that her opponents will come exhausting within the semifinal.

In brief, India have to preserve the consistency going and keep away from expensive errors. Savita Punia, India captain, spoke how they did not play their sport towards China which resulted in a 4-0 defeat within the Asian Games semifinal. It can’t be the identical story once more, the place one dangerous sport, a number of errors on the pitch, will finish the prospect of a ultimate. So far, the hockey they’ve performed is deserving of a trophy however there are nonetheless two matches to go.

Saturday’s semifinal lineup

China vs Japan at 6 pm

India vs South Korea at 8:30 pm