The Indian men hockey team scored two goals to clinch a 2 – 1 win against Japan in the first Super 4 league match and take revenge of the pool loss in the Asia Cup. The defending champions who lost 2 – 5 in the pool stage against Japan, scored two goals Manjeet (8′) and Pawan Rajbhar (35′) to register a narrow win.
A moment of sheer brilliance from Manjeet that handed India the lead. He made an independent run down the left flank receiving a pass from Pawan Rajbhar and used 3D skills to perfection to beat Takashi Yoshikawa under the Japanese bar.
Japan’s only goal came from the penalty corner through Takuma Niwa in the 18′. Japan had initially threatened India and earned themselves a penalty corner putting the Indians in danger position.
India next plays Malaysia in the Super 4 stage match on Sunday. Meanwhile, in the other Super 4 match of the day South Korea and Malaysia ended their affair with a 2 – 2 draw. In the Super 4 schedules, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will play each other once with the two teams progressing to the final.
