India Women’s Hockey team is in the final of the Asian Women’s Champions Trophy. They defeated Japan 2-0 on Tuesday, in the semi-final of the competition. It was the re-match of the group stage in which India overcame the Japanese and in the knockout also they breached the defense of Japan to qualify for the final and play China. They would like to finish the competition by winning it at home.
Despite their 3-0 victory against the same opponents on Sunday, India’s women’s hockey team head coach Harendra Singh warned the players that Tuesday’s Asian Champions Trophy semi-final against Japan would not be easy. The hosts prevailed, defeating Japan 2-0 to get to the final against China, but the coach was correct. Japan had shown signs of resistance, keeping India at bay until after halftime in the round-robin round.
The win ensured that the team that had won all five round-robin games in the event. India was challenged by a resolute defense and an even more determined Japanese goalkeeper, Yu Kudo, who withstood all Indian attempts for 48 minutes before Navneet Kaur (48th) took the lead with a penalty shot. That goal shifted the momentum of the contest. Lalremsiami extended the lead following a great build-up by Sunelita Toppo.
India’s win highlights Japan’s defensive struggles
India played similarly to previous matches, applying full press and mounting attack after attack. They breached the Japanese striking circle 23 times (17 times more than Japan), had seven shots on goal (none for Japan), and 13 penalty corners, all of which were blocked by Kudo, who was named Player-of-the-Match, and the Japanese defenders in an outstanding performance. India maintained control, consistently winning the ball high up the pitch.
They aimed for the goal, but they were unable to score. Their fluid build-up play resulted in many PC opportunities, particularly in the second quarter. India’s ticket to the final where they will play Olympic silver medallists China. They beat Malaysia 3-1 in the other semi-final. It will be a tough job for the Women to beat the Chinese who have been in brilliant form.
