Busan: Defending Champion India will look to maintain its winning run in men's hockey competition of the 14th Asian Games when it takes on a strong South Korea in its final league match on Friday.

Though, the Group ‘A’ match has lost some of its importance as both teams have already assured themselves of semi-final berths, the rubber will decide who avoids meeting Pakistan, currently leading Group ‘B’, in the semis. The winner of Friday's match will meet the second-placed team in Group ‘B’, in all probability Malaysia.

If the match ends in a draw, Korea will top Group ‘A’ on better goal average leaving India and Pakistan to fight it out for a place in the final. India would be more keen to avoid locking horns with arch-rivals Pakistan which beat it for the bronze medal in the recent Champions Trophy in Cologne.

But for that it will have to counter challenge from the spirited host, keen to avenge its loss at the hands of India in the final of the Bangkok Asian Games in 1998.

South Korean coach Jeon Jae-hong minced no words saying "We are looking to settle scores at the earliest opportunity. It's the gold medal that we are chasing but first getting even with India will be a good idea," he said.

With India also wanting to avenge its 2-4 loss to Korea in Champions Trophy, the match must provide a few sparks on Friday.

But India, which will probably be without Prabhjot Singh, due to an injury sustained during the match against Hong Kong, will have to go all out to counter the Koreans on their home soil.

The doctors have ruled out any fracture and Prabhjot should be available for the semi-final, team manager H S Dhillon said. Though the Indians won their second match against Japan 3-0, Prabhjot's non-availability definitely affected the rhythm of the team and a different plan will have to be adopted for Friday, coach Rajinder Singh said.

Daljit Singh, who was brought in place of Prabhojot, did well to score a goal against Japan but his performance was not consistent. Rajinder Singh, was however, satisfied with the way the team has progressed so far.

"I think, I can say, I am satisfied with the team's performance. It has fought well and has got the goals," he said. Dilip Tirkey has performed well as a captain, the coach said, "The defence had worked well in the previous two matches."

Rajinder Singh admitted South Korea was a good and strong team. "It had beaten us 2- 4 in Cologne recently. My team had clicked well against Japan on Wednesday despite close marking. The players are in shape and should perform well on Friday."

Korean coach said though his side was confident of winning it would not take India lightly as India is a strong team with lots of youngsters. "We will be playing positive hockey and my boys have the responsibility to prove themselves before the home crowd," he said.

Recent statistics show India has an upper hand as it has won twice against Korea in four-nation tournaments and lost once in Champions Trophy while drawing in Amstelvein.

PTI