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Birendra Lakra-led India beat Japan 2-1 in Super Four clash of Asia Cup Hockey 2022. India avenged the 2-5 humiliation in the league stage that led to a goal-scoring fest against Indonesia to stay alive in the tournament. After a 2-1 win, India are at the top of Super Four standings and have increased their chances of reaching the final on June 1 and defend their title.
Manjeet scores early
Japan seemed to pick up where they left off in the first quarter and earned a penalty corner in the first minute itself. In the opening minutes, Japan maintained possession. Their defense was strong and denied advances till the eighth minute where Manjeet Singh pulled off an individual goal after piercing into Japanese D from the left flank.
After the goal, India had possession in the first half. In the 13th minute, India earned their first penalty corner and almost pulled off the second goal with a drag-flick. But, Japanese defenders were on their toes and denied India their second goal.
Japan equaliser
Japan were on the charge right from the start of second quarter and earned a penalty corner in the 18th minute. Newa Takuma scored the equaliser on the rebound after goalkeeper stopped a drag-flick.
In the 27th minute, Maninder Singh was shown the green card. After the end of second quarter, the score was tied. Japan had better possession at 54 per cent.
India extend lead
Fourth minute into the third quarter, India took the lead again. Pawan Rajbhar scored a field goal after a terrific pass from Uttam Singh from the left flank.
India fend off attacks
In the third quarter, India had a better possession as Japan could not get a single penalty corner. The fourth quarter had cutthroat competition. There were a few injuries to Karthi Selvam and Manjeet. Japan had a good chance of pulling off the equaliser after earning a penalty corner in the 57th minute. However, referral came to India's rescue and Japan were denied the review.
