Skipper Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two crucial goals as India edged Japan 3-2 in a thrilling Pool A clash at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar on Sunday. The victory sealed India’s place in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup, maintaining their perfect start to the tournament.
Harmanpreet struck in the 5th and 46th minutes, adding to his hat-trick from the opening match against China, while forward Mandeep Singh (4’) opened the scoring for the hosts. For Japan, Kosei Kawabe (38’, 59’) scored a brace to keep the contest alive until the final whistle. The day was also special for Indian goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who celebrated his 150th international appearance.
India Off to a Flying Start
The hosts came out blazing, scoring twice within the opening five minutes. A sharp move from Sukhjeet Singh on the baseline set up Mandeep (4’), who coolly finished past the Japanese goalkeeper. Moments later, India won their first Penalty Corner, and skipper Harmanpreet (5’) drilled home a powerful drag-flick after two retakes, giving India a 2-0 cushion. Japan had their chances in the first quarter through a Penalty Corner in the 13th minute, but India’s defence held firm.
Japan Fight Back
The second quarter saw Japan grow into the game, testing India’s backline with quick counters. Ryosuke Shinohara came close in the 19th minute with a backhand strike that went narrowly wide. A double Penalty Corner opportunity in the 24th minute was denied, thanks to a brilliant goal-line clearance by Jarmanpreet Singh.
Japan finally broke through in the third quarter when Kawabe (38’) latched onto a difficult pass inside the circle and beat the Indian keeper with a fine angled finish. Energised, Japan pushed hard for an equaliser, but India regained control just before the end of the quarter. Harmanpreet (46’) converted a crucial Penalty Corner, restoring India’s two-goal lead at 3-1.
Nail-Biting Final Moments
The last quarter produced end-to-end drama. Japan forced a Penalty Corner in the 48th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood tall with two stunning saves. India nearly stretched their lead when Abhishek unleashed a powerful backhand shot, only to be denied by the Japanese keeper.
With a minute left, Kawabe (59’) pounced on a rebound to pull one back for Japan, setting up a tense finish. To add to the pressure, Harmanpreet was shown a yellow card in the dying moments, leaving India down to 10 men. But the hosts slowed the tempo and defended resolutely to clinch all three points.
What Lies Ahead
India will now look to top Pool A when they take on Kazakhstan on Monday. The second spot from the group will be decided in the clash between Japan and China, who thrashed Kazakhstan 13-1 earlier in the day. In Pool B, defending champions South Korea face Bangladesh, while Malaysia take on Chinese Taipei to determine the group standings.