India returned to winning ways and the top of the Asian Champions Trophy table with a comprehensive 5-0 win against Malaysia in front of packed stands on Sunday that saw a far more compact and cohesive team turning up compared to the previous outings. The result also meant India is all but assured of a semifinal spot in the competition.
It was expected to be a close game. However, with a more controlled display, the hosts did not allow space or pace to the Malaysians who rely on speedy counters and quick breaks down the flanks to get their goals. Having played attacking hockey so far, the visitors were hampered by a resolute Indian midfield that kept overlapping and switching sides to keep possession and build the pressure on Malaysia.
Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sumit and Hardik Singh bottled the middle and, with Manpreet Singh constantly doubling up for defensive duties, the Malaysian forwards Shello Silverius and Kamal Aby Azrai barely managed to get a shot at goal. Though they stayed true to their structure without panicking, they found little space. Jarmanpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh were outstanding at the back with the Indian goalkeepers barely tested.
