India vs Japan, Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India showcased their dominance in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Japan in their second match of the tournament, held at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, China. After a solid start to their campaign with a 3-0 win over hosts China, India continued their winning form, overpowering Japan with aggressive and skilful play.
Early strikes for India Hockey Team
The Indian team set the pace early, with Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek finding the net in the first quarter. Their quick, precise attacks left the Japanese defence struggling to keep up. India controlled possession and kept Japan on the back foot, establishing an early 2-0 lead.
Sanjay extends India’s lead
In the second quarter, Harmanpreet Singh took a penalty corner, and Sanjay executed a perfect drag flick, sending the ball past the Japanese goalkeeper. The shot deflected off the post and into the goal, marking Sanjay’s first goal of the match and giving India a commanding 3-0 lead by half-time.
Japan fight back vs India Hockey Team
Japan showed more resilience in the third quarter, with Matsumoto capitalising on an Indian defensive error. His shot deflected off Jugraj Singh, cutting India’s lead to 3-1. Despite this, India maintained control, holding possession and keeping the Japanese attackers at bay for much of the quarter.
India seal victory with late goals
In the fourth quarter, India continued to press, though their initial attempts to penetrate Japan’s defence were hampered by sloppy stick work. However, with six minutes left, Rasheed’s well-timed pass found Jarmanpreet Singh, who set up Uttam Singh for a simple tap-in, restoring India’s three-goal cushion.
Sukhjeet Singh added the final blow, scoring his second goal of the match with a precise finish from Rajkumar Singh’s pass, sealing India’s 5-1 victory as the clock ran down.
Exciting action elsewhere in Asian Champions Trophy
Earlier in the day, Korea and Pakistan played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Despite a late double strike by Pakistan’s Hannan Shahid in the 60th minute, poor defending allowed Korea to equalise moments later. Meanwhile, Japan had drawn 5-5 with South Korea in their opening match, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
India’s commanding win against Japan further solidifies their position as one of the strongest teams in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, with their next challenge coming against South Korea on September 11.
