Birendra Lakra-led India suffered a disappointing loss by 2-5 against Japan in their second Hockey Asia Cup 2022 Pool A clash. After playing a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Pakistan, an experienced Indian side looked clueless against a dominant Japan.
Goalless first quarter
Japan dominated possession right from the start. However, India had an early chance created by Karthi Selvam but SV Sunil failed to make contact in front of the goal. India were short of a man in the field as Maran got a green card. Japan got the first penalty corner of the game but could not score as Suraj Lekara kept it out. No goals were scored in the first quarter.
Japan score
Ken Nagayoshi broke the deadlock in the ninth minute of second quarter. After a series of penalty corner, Japanese striker was able to convert one with a powerful strike past Indian defenders and goalkeeper.
Few minutes later, India had a chance to score as well but Rajkumar shot it just wide. India had a chance early in the third quarter but Uttam Singh failed to finish from an open goal position.
Well-balanced third quarter
Japan continued to attack in the third quarter with back to back penalty corner. They maintained good possession as well. In the 10th minute, Kosei Kawabe scored on counter-attack as she found Indian defenders sleeping.
India's first goal came in the dying stages of the third quarter. Pawan Raj Bhar scored a field goal to get India back in the game.
Total domination
In the fourth minute of the fourth quarter, Japan extended their lead as Ryoma Ooka fired one past the goalkeeper. A minute later Uttam was finally able to finish. In the sixth minute, India managed to earn their first penalty corner of the game via video referral. India missed the chance to level and the pressure kept mounting on them.
India did not do themselves a favour as Raj was given a green card followed by a yellow card for Selvam. The yellow card had a major impact as India conceded two goals in quick succession. Goalkeeper Suraj Lekara did not have enough support as Japan closed all doors for making a comeback in the game.
India's chances in jeopardy
India will face Indonesia in their last Pool A game on May 26. India’s chances of advancing are in danger as they not only need to beat Indonesia but that too by a big margin. Even then, they will be dependent on results of other matches.
