Defending champions India ended their Hockey Asia Cup 2022 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Japan to win bronze medal fixture on June 1 in Malaysia. After an exciting virtual semi-final against South Korea which knocked the Birendra Lakra-led side out of the tournament, the bronze medal turned out to be a consolation prize for the men in blue.
Early lead
Japan's defense was lacklustre in the first quarter. India had multiple free hits early in the game. In the sixth minute, goalkeeper Suraj Karkera did well to keep one out before he got support from defenders. On the counter-attack, Uttam Singh breached the Japan defense and gave an easy chance for Raj Kumar who did not have any problem finding the back of the net.
India got a penalty corner in the 10th minute but SV Sunil's drag-flick did not go through. Towards the end of first quarter, Karkera came to the rescue again and stopped Japan from equalising.
Japan struggle for equaliser
Japan were desperate for an equaliser and after constant attacks, they got a penalty corner in the 20th minute. Japan missed to score from another penalty corner. In the 22nd minute, India were one man down as Manjeet Singh got a green card. In the 24th minute, India looked to extend the lead but Japanese goalkeeper held his nerve to keep it out. In the first half, India had 47 per cent possession. Both of them had more penalty corners.
Again, no goals were scored in the third quarter. In the 40th minute, Japan got a penalty corner after Nilam Sanjeep's error but the drag-flick went wide. Japan were on the attack towards the end of third quarter as well but could not score. India had better possession during this period.
Japan’s unsuccessful all out attack
Japan were ruthless in their approach in the last quarter. Suraj made an early save before defenders came to his aide. Japan had three consecutive penalty corners but failed to find the back of the net. In the 53rd minute, India had a chance to release the pressure but Uttam took too much time to finish off. In the dying moments of the game, a yellow card created problems for India. However, Japan lacked the finishing touch and had to finish at fourth place.
