Asia Cup 2009 :: Cautious India pay heavy price

China dumped India out of the Asia Cup semi-finals when they drew 2-2 with the defending champions in the final Group B match yesterday.

India came into the tournament as winners of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last month. But China upset the form books, overcoming a two-goal deficit to earn the draw.

India had taken the lead with penalty corner goals by skipper Sandeep Singh in the 33rd and 34th minutes. India sat back in the second half and China struck through Lu Feng Hui (44th) and Yu Yang (58th).

Sandeep had a chance to seal victory for India from the penalty corner in the 69th minute but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Su Rifeng.

India coach Herender Singh blasted his players for discarding their usual attacking play.

“It is not the Indian style to defend. For the last eight months, I have structured the team to play attacking hockey. Why change when you are leading? They have let me down badly,” he said.

India will play against Bangladesh in a classification match tomorrow and the winners will take on Japan in the playoff for fifth place on Friday.