Timeless Manpreet Shines as India Soars Over Malaysia in Midfield Victory

Craig Fulton faced numerous inquiries from the media about the missed scoring opportunities by India’s forwards during their 2-2 draw against South Korea on Wednesday.

Despite trailing for most of the game, the head coach defended the forwards, stating, “It’s a team effort. The strikers can’t get the ball themselves. Someone has to give it to them.” Although he did not name anyone, it was evident the midfield was under scrutiny.

However, just a day later, the midfield transformed into the team’s strongest asset, leading India to a 4-1 victory over Malaysia at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

Guided by former captain Manpreet Singh, the midfield dominated the Malaysian half, creating numerous scoring opportunities and securing India’s first decisive win of the tournament.

Midfielders Manpreet (17th minute) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (38th minute) scored, alongside goals from strikers Sukhjeet Singh (19th minute) and Shilanand Lakra (24th minute), answering Malaysian Shafiq Hassan’s early goal in the 2nd minute.

Malaysia, unbeaten until this match, surprised India with an early strike. Nonetheless, India remained relentless from the start. Upcoming midfielder Rajinder Singh, seen as Manpreet’s successor, led attacks to equalize.

Rajinder, Manpreet, and Hardik Singh maneuvered effectively through short passes, outpacing the Malaysian midfield and defense, as the world No.12 team attempted to slow the game down. Rajinder’s 3D skills facilitated 12 circle penetrations into the Malaysian striking area.

Prasad, Raj Kumar Pal, and Rajinder commanded the midfield, while Manpreet took charge as playmaker, sparking several counterattacks. One such attack resulted in the equalizer, with Manpreet scoring his first goal since the 2023 Asian Games final, where India defeated Japan 5-1.

On their fifth consecutive penalty corner, Harmanpreet’s shot was blocked by Malaysia’s goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, but Manpreet, utilizing his expertise, scored a leveling goal.

Galvanized by Manpreet’s goal, India intensified their attacks on the Malaysian defense, maintaining high energy levels as Fulton executed strategic substitutions.

Swiftly, Rajinder’s midfield pass reached Abhishek, who then assisted Shilanand. Shilanand’s clever back stick pass enabled Sukhjeet to score, giving India the lead.

India’s passing was notably more precise compared to earlier in the tournament. Hardik orchestrated another midfield pass to Shilanand, who extended India’s lead to 3-1 with a successful dive.

In the third quarter, Jugraj Singh’s drag-flick was saved by Othman, but Manpreet utilized his peripheral vision to elude three defenders along the goal line, finding an unmarked Prasad who tapped in the goal, positioning India at an unreachable 4-1 lead.

Fulton’s team displayed increased discipline, resulting in only one card awarded. The midfield’s performance significantly contributed to India’s cohesive unit, helping them secure their first Super 4s victory.

Customarily, India builds momentum as tournaments progress. They seem to be on this trajectory, with Fulton optimistic about maintaining momentum against China in their final Super 4s game on Saturday.

In an earlier match, China defeated reigning champions South Korea 3-0 in a rain-interrupted game.