Did India Defeat Japan 3-2 to Advance to Super 4s in the Hockey Asia Cup?

Rajgir, Aug 31 (NationPress) The Indian men’s hockey team showcased their prowess in the Asia Cup, clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory against Japan during their second Pool A match held at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar on Sunday. This triumph has guaranteed India a coveted spot in the Super 4s stage of the tournament.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh (5’, 46’) and Mandeep Singh (4') contributed to India's scoreline, while Kosei Kawabe (38', 59') netted two goals for Japan. Notably, this match marked a significant milestone for Indian goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who celebrated his 150th international appearance.

India quickly asserted their dominance by scoring two swift goals within the first five minutes of the match. In the fourth minute, Sukhjeet Singh skillfully maneuvered the ball on the baseline and delivered a precise pass to Mandeep Singh (4'), who outmaneuvered his defender to net the ball. Just a minute later, India earned their first Penalty Corner, and after two attempts, Captain Harmanpreet Singh (5') launched a powerful shot that struck the foot of the Japanese goalkeeper, resulting in an early lead for the home side. Japan had their chance in the 13th minute with a Penalty Corner, but it did not yield any results.

In the second quarter, Japan displayed improved performance, engaging in a thrilling exchange of attacks, yet India's strong defense held firm. Japan nearly scored in the 19th minute as Ryosuke Shinohara dribbled through the middle and unleashed a backhand shot, narrowly missing the target. They earned another Penalty Corner in the 24th minute, but Jarmanpreet made a crucial save, clearing the attempt for a retake, which was ultimately thwarted by India. Towards the end of the first half, India also secured a second Penalty Corner, but Amit Rohidas failed to convert with his dragflick.

Japan finally broke through in the third quarter, with Kosei Kawabe (38') skillfully collecting a challenging pass in the circle and striking an angled shot that found the bottom right corner past the keeper. This goal invigorated Japan, leading to an aggressive pursuit of an equalizer, but India maintained control of the game's pace and possession. In a crucial moment at the end of the quarter, India won another Penalty Corner, which was expertly converted by Captain Harmanpreet Singh (46') as he flicked the ball through the goalkeeper's legs, restoring India's two-goal advantage.

In the final quarter's early moments, Japan earned a Penalty Corner, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made two remarkable saves in quick succession. Shortly after, Abhishek found space inside the circle and fired a strong backhand shot, but the Japanese keeper responded well with a save. In the match's dying moments, Kosei Kawabe (59') scored his second goal, capitalizing on a rebound to narrow the deficit. Captain Harmanpreet Singh received a yellow card in the final minute, leaving India a man short, but they effectively managed the clock to secure the win.

As India looks ahead, they aim to maintain their winning streak in their final Pool A match against Kazakhstan on Monday.