A relatively young Indian hockey team will have to play out of their skin and avoid silly errors against a formidable South Korea here tomorrow if they desire to keep their unbeaten run intact at the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy. Having started the tournament on a high with a 5-0 pounding of hosts China,India suffered a setback of sorts when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Japan,largely due to a lapse in concentration from the defensive line which led to a last-minute equaliser. But against the nimble-footed Koreans the Indians cannot afford to relax at any moment as a defeat at this stage of the tournament can jeopardise their chances of a podium finish. Unlike China and Japan,the Indians are also aware that the Koreans are a much superior opposition side in terms of fitness as well as experience. India would be eyeing an outright win as a defeat or another draw can make life difficult for the Rajpal Singh-led side ahead of tough fixtures against Guangzhou Asian Games gold-medallist champions Pakistan and runners-up Malaysia. Under new coach Micheal Nobbs,the Indians have exhibited a new style of hockey in this tournament - a blend of Indias aggression and Australias sharpness - which so far paid dividends for the erstwhile Asian giants. But India has a chance against the experienced Koreans if they can hold their rivals in the midfield and cut the runs down the flanks. The Indian defence of Rupinder Pal Singh and V Raghunath have played well so far in this tournament but need more experience to soak pressure.
