Jakarta: The Indian Men hockey The team scored two fantastic field goals to beat Japan 2-1 in its first Super 4 league game and avenge its loss in the Asian Cup group stage here on Saturday.
The defending champion, who lost 2-5 to Japan in the group stage, scored two standout field goals via Manjeet (8th minute) and Pawan Rajbhar (35th) to secure a narrow win.
Japan’s only goal came in the 18th minute from a penalty corner via Takuma Niwa.
Japan initially threatened India and secured a penalty corner in the opening minute, but the Indians managed to nullify the danger. The Indians grew in confidence and gained a foothold as the game progressed.
It was a brilliant moment from Manjeet that put India in the lead. He made a brilliant solo run down the left flank on a pass from Pawan Rajbhar and used 3D skills to perfection to beat Takashi Yoshikawa under the Japanese bar.
Maninder Singh gave India a penalty corner in the 13th minute, but Nilam Sanjeep Xess’ effort was saved by the Japanese defence.
As in the first fifteen minutes, the Japanese started the second 15 minutes promisingly and secured a penalty corner in the 18th minute, with Takuma Niwas scoring from a rebound after Ken Nagayoshi’s first tap was saved by Indian goalkeeper Karkera.
Chased by the goal, Japan continued to put pressure on the Indian defense and earned two more penalty corners, which kept the Indian defense at bay. Minutes later, Karthi Selvam missed a golden opportunity when he failed to pass Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikawa out of a one-on-one situation.
Rajbhar restored India’s lead five minutes into the second half and shot in from close range after being set up by Uttam Singh’s brilliant stick work. Five minutes later, India conceded another penalty corner, but the Japanese failed to convert.
Trailing a goal, the Japanese applied relentless pressure on the Indian citadel, but the Birendra Lakra-led rear held out to keep their lead intact. Just three minutes before the final horn, Japan secured a penalty corner, but the Indians defended en masse to register the victory.
India will face Malaysia in their next Super 4 stage match on Sunday.
Meanwhile, South Korea and Malaysia played a 2-2 draw in the other Super 4 match of the day.
In the Super 4s, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will face each other once, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
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