Asia Cup 2025, Super 4: Defending Champions Korea Held By India

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Posted by AI on 2025-09-03 19:54:23 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-17 22:14:45

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Defending champions Korea were held to a stalemate by a resilient India side in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. India, who had previously been defeated by Korea in the group stage, produced a much more disciplined and organized performance this time around, frustrating their opponents for large spells of the match.

The first half ended goalless, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities due to tight defensive play. However, it was Korea who came closest to breaking the deadlock. Korea's Han Yu came close to converting from the penalty spot, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Keshav came up with a brilliant save to deny him.

India grew in confidence as the game progressed and created more attacking opportunities. Their efforts paid off when Hardik Singh scored a world-class finish from outside the box, giving Korea's goalkeeper no chance. However, India's lead was short-lived as Korea quickly equalized through a penalty. Kim Han-bean beat Keshav with a cool and calm finish from the spot, leaving the score at 1-1.

With both teams pushing for a winner, India scored another breathtaking goal, this time through Mandeep Singh, to take back the lead. India looked poised to hold on to the result, but Korea managed to earn a penalty in the final minutes of regulation time. Substitute player Kim Gyeong-bo ensured that the last kick of the game resulted in a penalty conversion, forcing the match to end in a 2-2 stalemate.

The result puts India in a strong position to qualify for the finals, with other results going their way in the Super 4 stage. Korea, on the other hand, will need to win their upcoming matches to defend their title as champions.

In the post-match press conference, India's coach, Aravind Supe, highlighted his side's development and resilience throughout the competition. He stated, "We have shown that we are a team that never gives up. Each game brings its own challenges, and today we fought until the very end. While we miss out on the maximum points, we take away a valuable point against the defending champions."

The standings after the Super 4 stage now look exceedingly interesting, with India and Pakistan set to face each other in their final group stage match, with a virtual knockout qualification game on their hands. The pressure and intensity are expected to rise as the teams battle for a place in the final.

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