Bangladesh produced a thrilling performance to beat South Korea 5-3 in their FIH U-21 Hockey World Cup cross-over match, keeping their hopes alive for a 17th-place finish, reports the Daily Sun.
The young Red & Green side showcased resilience and skill, overturning an early deficit to claim a memorable victory. South Korea opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Lee Minheyak converted a penalty corner. He doubled Korea’s lead in the 20th minute, also from a penalty corner.
Bangladesh responded immediately, with Amirul Islam reducing the deficit to 2-1 in the 21st minute, converting Bangladesh’s first penalty corner of the match. Just two minutes later, Amirul scored again from his signature penalty corner to level the score 2-2 by the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter saw Amirul complete his hat-trick in the 35th minute from a penalty stroke, giving Bangladesh a 3-2 lead. In the fourth quarter, Obaydul Hasan Joy extended the lead to 4-2 with a brilliant field goal in the 52nd minute. Korea responded quickly, with Lee Minheyak completing his hat-trick of sorts through a penalty corner in the 53rd minute, making it 4-3. However, Bangladesh sealed the win in the 60th minute when Rakibul Hasan scored a field goal to finalize the 5-3 scoreline.
Interestingly, Bangladesh had faced South Korea earlier in the group stage, ending in a 3-3 draw. After that match, the young Red & Green representatives expressed their disappointment, feeling they deserved a win. Ahead of the cross-over clash, the players had openly stated their determination to secure a victory this time — and they delivered on that promise on Saturday.
With this victory, Bangladesh boosts their confidence ahead of the final placement match against European side Austria, aiming to end their maiden U-21 World Cup campaign on a high. This is Bangladesh’s second win in their debut World Cup.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
