It was yet another show of dominance from the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, who put away Japan 5-1 in their second match of the Asian Champions Trophy on Monday.
Sukhjeet Singh (2′, 60′) scored a double in India’s win while Abhishek (3′), Sanjay (17′) and Uttam Singh (54′) scored a goal each while Kazumasa Matsumoto (41′) scored the lone goal for Japan.
The Indians started off blazingly, netting two goals within the first two minutes, courtesy of Sukhjeet and Abhishek, who waltzed through the defensive line of Japan to find the early breaks.
Much of the same ensued in the second quarter as well, where it was Sanjay, who took his chances from a penalty corner to find the back of the net and make it 3-0 to India.
Japan’s struggles to find space inside India’s half and final third was there for all to witness, and it was towards the end of the second quarter when they finally found some momentum, taking away possession from a dominating India.
Returning from the 10-minute half-time break, India looked to keep up the momentum. They played patiently, with discipline, to launch their first attack in the third quarter but Japan did well in winning the ball back. They did well to build on a structured attack that eventually led to a field goal in the 41st minute by Kazumasa Matsumoto. India goalie Krishan Bahadur Pathak could do little to stop Matsumoto from scoring that one.
Only minutes earlier, there was a brilliant opportunity for India but Vivek Sagar fell inches short of a fourth goal.
India would march on with confidence, as Uttam Singh and Sukhjeet would slot one in each respectively into the back of Japan’s goal to make it 5-1 and lead India to an easy win.
Four-time champions India, who had beaten China 3-0 in their opening round-robin league match on Sunday, got two penalty corners as against five of Japan.
Hero of the Match, Abhishek of India said, “It was a complete team effort today and we stuck to basics. We produced good attack and ensured we were on target. I am also happy to be recognised with the Hero of the Match award.”
The Harmanpreet Singh-led side will meet last-edition’s runners-up side Malaysia on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a rest day.
After the round-robin league among the six teams, the top-four sides qualify for the semifinals to be played on September 16. The final is scheduled for September 17.
(with PTI inputs)
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