India beat Japan 4-2, to play Belgium in final
HAMILTON: The Indian men’s hockey team defeated Japan 4-2 to remain unbeaten in the second leg of the Four-nation Invitational Tournament.
After victories against New Zealand (3-2) and Belgium (5-4), India overcame Japanese challenge with late strikes from Mandeep Singh (58th minute) and Ramandeep Singh (58th).
The other goal scorers for India were Vivek Sagar Prasad (12th) and Varun Kumar (30th) while Seren Tanaka (14th) and Shota Yamada (43rd) scored for Japan.
India will next play world No 3 Belgium, who beat hosts New Zealand 4-0, in the summit clash on Sunday.
GOOD START
It was India who started well, keeping the ball for most part of the first quarter and came up with accurate passes to make their way into the Japanese striking circle.
India drew first blood when Harjeet Singh dribbled through the midfield to find forward Arman Qureshi who passed it on to Vivek for the first goal.
Vivek has been impressive in this tour, creating scoring opportunities for India and even has two goals to his credit in his debut match in Tauranga.
India were slightly dodgy in the next few minutes after as they gave up possession and were punished when Japan broke into a quick counter, paving way through the left flank.