The Indian men’s hockey team scored two brilliant field goals to avenge their defeat by defeating Japan 2-1 in their first Super 4 League match in the pool stage of the Asia Cup here on Saturday.
Defending champions, who lost 2-5 against Japan in the pool stage, scored two brilliant field goals through Manjeet (8th minute) and Pawan Rajbhar (35th minute).
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Japan’s only goal came in the 18th minute from a penalty corner via Takuma Niwa.
Japan threatens India They got a penalty corner early and in the opening minute itself but the Indians foiled the threat.
As the match progressed, the confidence of the Indians increased and they found their feet.
It was Manjeet’s moment of brilliance that gave India the edge. He scored a brilliant single off the left bank after receiving a pass from Pawan Rajbhar and used 3D skills to defeat Takashi Yoshikawa under the Japanese bar.
Maninder Singh gave India a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Neelam Sanjeev Zess’s effort was saved by the Japanese defense.
As it happened in the first quarter, the Japanese started the second 15 minutes on a promising note and secured a penalty corner in the 18th minute, from which Takuma Niwas rebounded after Ken Nagayoshi’s opening flick was saved by Indian goalkeeper Karkera. Scored from
Buoyed by the target, Japan continued to put pressure on the Indian defense and earned two more penalty corners, which the Indian defense kept at bay.
Minutes later, Karthi Selvam missed a golden opportunity as he failed to beat Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikawa in a one-on-one position.
Rajbhar restored India’s lead in the second half in five minutes, slamming home close after a set from Uttam Singh’s superb stick work.
Five minutes later, India secured another penalty corner but the Japanese failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Trailing a target, the Japanese put relentless pressure on the Indian defence, but the Birendra Lakra-led backline remained determined to hold on to its lead.
Just three minutes from the final hooter, Japan secured a penalty corner but the Indians defended in numbers to register the win.
India will play Malaysia in their next Super 4 stage match on Sunday.
Meanwhile, South Korea and Malaysia played out a 2-2 draw in the second Super 4 match of the day.
In Super 4, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will play each other once and the top two teams will advance to the final.
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