Jakarta: South Korea put in a spectacular performance as they beat Hong Kong China 11-0 in the opening men’s hockey event in the Asian Games.
The Group A match at the GBK Hockey Stadium was a one-sided affair with the Koreans in full control of the match.
South Korean coach Kim Young-kyu said that the aim was to get used to the pitch conditions ahead of the bigger games. “It was a good match for us. We played well, and the players moved the ball with purpose. We had 13 penalty corners, but the scoring rate was not that good.
Our usual flicker Jang Jong-hyun was not in good form. But I am sure he will improve with the next game,” he said.
Jong-hyun still managed to score four goals in the match, He converted a penalty stroke in the 11th minute and followed it up with three penalty corner goals in the 20th, 31st and 52nd minutes.
It was Jeong Jung-woo who started the scoring in the second minute with a field goal. He was also on target in the 24th and 32nd to seal a hattrick in the game. The other goal scorers were Seo In-woo (18th), Kim Seong-kyu (37), yang Ji-hyun (55) amd Kim Jung-hoo (59th minute).
The world 14th ranked Koreans will play Sri Lanka in their next match and Kim reckons that will be just another practice match for them.
“Yes, it will be easier against Sri Lanka. But we must be more clinical. There is no point making chances and not scoring. We need to improve overall with our finishing both on field and penalty corners,” said Kim Young-kyu.
The 38th ranked Sri Lanka will certainly have a tough time keeping the score down against the inform South Koreans.
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