India Had Shootout Plan Ready Against Pakistan, Reveals Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera

Gifu, Oct 1 : India had already prepared a penalty shootout strategy before taking on Pakistan in the high-voltage Asian Games hockey semifinal, goalkeeper Suraj Karkera revealed after the defending champions secured a thrilling 4-3 victory to book their place in the gold-medal match.

Karkera's introduction in place of H.S. Mohit during the final quarter had raised speculation that India were preparing for a possible shootout, as Pakistan mounted a strong comeback after trailing 3-0.

"Everything is decided before the games. If it goes down to the wire, the boss takes the call on who will be in the shootout. We had our plans in place," Karkera said after the semifinal.

The goalkeeper admitted, however, that India were disappointed with the way they allowed Pakistan to fight their way back into the contest.

"We lost a bit of control coming into the third and fourth quarter, and we know where we committed mistakes," he said.

India had dominated the early stages and built a commanding lead before Pakistan fought back to level the scores, setting up a tense finish. India eventually found the decisive goal to seal victory in regulation time.

Karkera said the coaching staff's message when he entered the game was to remain calm and stick to the basics.

"It's about sticking to the basics. He told me to convey this message to the boys," he said.

The goalkeeper also praised defender Amit Rohidas for his crucial contribution in defending Pakistan's penalty corners.

"Without him, it is very difficult for us to defend the pieces. I think he took five on his body, and I couldn't ask more from him. He has done a fabulous job," Karkera said.

He also highlighted Manpreet Singh's defensive effort in the closing stages and acknowledged that India would need to improve before the final.

"The boys have played their heart out. Yes, there were mistakes we committed, and I think the boys will look at it. We had really great PC defence in terms of Amit, and there was some great defensive work by Manpreet Singh in the last minute," he said.

"But yes, we shouldn't be conceding these many goals, and we look to improve in the final," Karkera added.

Despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, Karkera said the team had been instructed to remain composed and avoid rash decisions.

"We had our meetings and were focusing on not getting emotional and not taking rash decisions. We have to keep our emotions in check," he said.

India ultimately did not need the shootout plan, sealing their place in the final in regulation time. Karkera's revelation, however, provided an insight into India's preparation and the thinking behind the late goalkeeper change during one of the most closely contested matches of the Games.