backs to the wall, hosts India have no other option but to win in a tricky encounter against Korea in their do-or-die final Pool C match to progress to the quarterfinals of the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup here on Tuesday.
After a 2-3 defeat against formidable Netherlands in their tournament opener, India kept themselves in the hunt for the knock-out stage by eking out a hard-fought 3-2 win over Canada in their next match at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
But India cannot afford either a loss or a draw against Korea in their final pool match to secure their quarterfinal berth.
Both India and Korea are on three points each from two outings but Korea have a better goal difference and a draw would be enough for them to pip the home team and go forward.
With two wins out of as many games, Netherlands have already qualified for the quarterfinals from Pool C. (PTI)