New Delhi: In the Super-4 round of the Asia Cup hockey tournament, India defeated Japan 2-1 to equalize their defeat in the league. Defending champions India had lost 2-5 to Japan in a league encounter.
In today’s match, Manjit from India scored a field goal in the 8th minute and Pawan Rajbhar scored a field goal each in the 35th minute while the lone goal from Japan was scored by Takuma Niva in the 18th minute.
Japan also secured a penalty corner three minutes before the final hooter was sounded but the Indian team’s defence line thwarted the Japanese players’ attempt to score. India will next take on Malaysia in the Super-4 round on Sunday. Meanwhile, south Korea and Malaysia were tied 2-2 in another super-4 round clash.
It is worth mentioning that in the Super-4 round, all the four teams India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia are scheduled to play one match each and the two teams at the top will go into the final.