Hockey Asian Champions Trophy Highlights – India stormed into the final of the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy with a dominating 5-0 victory against Japan on 11th August 2023. India’s Akashdeep, Harmanpreet, Mandeep, Sumit and Karthi Selvam etched their names on the scoresheets as India completely outplayed Japan in the contest. The hosts will next face Malaysia in the final on Saturday, 12th August 2023.
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Coming into the Semi Final clash after an important win against nemesis Pakistan in their previous match, table toppers India showed sublime form and intent to win right from the word go. They set off their attack with an early PC but didn’t convert. The next few minutes was intensely fought with Japanese forwards Taiki Takade and Shota Yamada taking turns to find an opening in India’s circle.
While the first quarter was goalless, India took control of the proceedings with a brilliant goal in the 19th minute. It was a combined effort by Hardik Singh and Sumit who assisted experienced striker Akashdeep Singh to score. The hosts were quick to double the lead when they won a PC in the 23rd minute and Skipper Harmanpreet Singh continued to showcase his incredible form, hammering the ball to the right bottom of the post.
Before going into the half-time break, playmaker Manpreet Singh set up Mandeep Singh for a beautiful goal. All Mandeep had to do was get a faint touch at the end to put the ball past Japanese goalie Takumi Kitagawa. Leading comfortably with 3-0 on board, India surely looked like the better team in the clash with Japan unable to break India’s defence line.
Meanwhile, India’s midfielders continue to dominate play. It was Manpreet Singh, who was the cynosure of India’s attack today, as he created one of the most attractive goals of the tournament as he set up Sumit at the baseline. The duo worked a classy move to take a formidable 4-0 lead as Sumit struck a fine reverse-stick to the corner post.
India gave no chances for the Japanese side to bounce back as they struck their fifth goal in the 51st minute. This time it was local star Karthi Selvam, who brought cheers to his fanbase in Chennai, as he scored a splendid field goal. Though Japan showed their desperation in the dying minutes, India’s assertive performance put themselves in title contention on Saturday.
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