JAPAN CRUSH INDIA IN ASIA CUP HOCKEY

NEW DELHI: There is something about Jakarta’s GBK Sports Complex that brings out the best in Japanese hockey. Four years ago, the ‘Samurai’ rose to their zenith in the sport when they won the Asian Games gold for the first time. Back at the venue for the Asia Cup, Japan hammered holders India 5-2 in Pool A to progress to the second round on Tuesday.

Having drubbed Indonesia 9-0 on Monday, Japan produced another robust performance to outplay an inexperienced Indian squad and qualify for the Super 4s. Ken Nagayoshi (24th), Kosei Kawabe (40th, 56th), Ryoma Ooka (49th) and Koji Yamasaki (54th) scored for the winners. Pawan Rajbhar (45th) and Uttam Singh (50th) scored for India. India face the eliminated Indonesia, who were crushed 0-13 by three-time champions Pakistan in the other Pool A clash, next in a must-win tie on Thursday. India’s progress to the Super 4s depends on the JapanPakistan clash.

India must beat the hosts by a big margin and hope Japan beat Pakistan to have a chance of advancing.

“In the first two quarters we had no rhythm. In the last two quarters, we created chances but were unable to convert. In the last quarter our defence did not come together, which is why we lost. It is very difficult to defend with two players down and we could not. Let’s see what happens in the next match,” a dejected India skipper Birendra Lakra said after the match.

Japan more or less dominated India throughout the 60 minutes with more shots on goal (9 to 5), circle penetrations (18 to 16), possession (53%) and penalty corners (4 to 2). India made things worse for themselves by earning three cards—including a yellow—to one green of Japan.