Mor goal helps India overcome Japan 1-0

NEW DELHI: INDIA COULD MAKE LITTLE HEADWAY IN THE SECOND QUARTER TOO BUT THE THIRD QUARTER SAW THEM GO ALL OUT AND EARN A COUPLE OF PENALTY CORNERS.

Skipper Mandeep Mor’s lone goal helped the Indian junior men’s hockey team notch their third consecutive win, against Japan, at the 8th Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) on Tuesday.

The rain-affected match, stopped for a few minutes in the first quarter, was intensely fought with Japan doggedly defending their territory and leaving little room for the Indian colts to manoeuvre.

India could make little headway in the second quarter too but the third quarter saw them go all out and earn a couple of penalty corners. Skipper Mandeep Mor converted a well-executed penalty corner in the 42nd minute to give India the all-important goal.

Leading by a goal, India put all their might into defence with goalkeeper Pankaj Rajak making some excellent saves to thwart Japan. India had a shave when Japan won a penalty corner with minutes left for the final hooter. However, the chance was missed and India held their nerves to seal the match and the winning points.

Earlier in the tournament, India had beaten Malaysia 2-1 and New Zealand 7-1. The Indian junior will take on defending champions Australia on October 10.