New Delhi: India sent out a warning to the hockey world for the forthcoming FIH Junior Men's World Cup on Sunday when they outplayed hosts Malaysia 3-0 to win the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup in style at Johor Bahru.
India - who stayed unbeaten throughout the tournament - scored in the 22nd, 55th and 64th minute through Amon Tirkey, vice captain Affan Yousuf and skipper Manpreet respectively.
The visitors maintained high tempo throughout 70 minutes to disappoint the home crowd and go a step ahead from their second place-finish in the last edition of the tournament. The match was evenly poised at half-time when India led 1-0, but they put the match beyond Malaysia's reach by scoring two more goals in the last 35 minutes.
India created a lot of opportunities and had an early chance in the 5th minute when Satbir Singh took a snap shot but it was padded away by Mohd Hafizuddin Othman.
The initial forays gave India the confidence and they were awarded a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Amit Rohidas's attempt was charged down by Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin.
In a quick counter-attack, Mohd Syamim Yusof nearly scored after evading three defenders, but he sent his shot wide of the post, much to the relief of keeper Harjot Singh.
The Malaysian defenders were loose in their marking and that allowed Yusof to move into the semi circle and his reverse stick hit went inches wide.
India forced three consecutive penalty corners in the 35th minute but the Malaysian defenders held firm. However, they paid a heavy price as Muhammad Azri Hassan was yellow carded and Malaysia had to start the second half a man down.
Malaysia got their chance in the 47th minute when they were awarded a penalty corner. But Shahril Saabah was on the bench and a variation was used. Izad Hakimi had a slap shot that was saved by the keeper.
Another penalty corner in the 52nd minute for Malaysia was kept out by India and from a counter attack, Ramandeep Singh outwitted Kavin Karthik for a clear run at goal. He relayed the ball to Yousuf who scored easily to make it 2-0 for India.
India created several chances and finally skipper Manpreet converted their eight penalty corner in the 64th minute to make it 3-0 as India sealed the title.
India qualified for the final by finishing top of the league table with 13 points from four wins and a draw in five games. Hosts Malaysia too had 13 points but were behind India on goal difference. India had a goal difference of +11 and Malaysia +10.
India beat England 2-1 to open their campaign, followed by wins against Argentina (3-2), Pakistan (4-0) and South Korea (6-1). India's final league game against Malaysia ended in an exciting 3-3 draw.
The team's next big assignment will be at home in New Delhi this December when India hosts the FIH Junior Men's World Cup.
(With inputs from PTI)
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