While three-time champions India adopted a high-press hockey from the onset, Japan played deep into own half to thwart home team’s attacks. After a barren first quarter, India finally took the lead in the 19th minute through Akashdeep Singh, who slapped the ball in from a rebound after Hardik Singh’s initial shot was saved by Japanese second goalkeeper Takumi Kitagawa.
India maintained the tempo and earned their second penalty corner in the 23rd minute and skipper Harmanpreet Singh sounded the board with a fierce low flick to the left of the goalie to double India’s lead.
Just at the stroke of half-time, India tripled their lead through Mandeep Singh.
The trend continued after the change of ends.
Sumit probably scored the goal of the tournament with a back stick flick into the net from a tight angle after being brilliantly set up by Manpreet from the right flank. Karthi Selvam made it 5-0 in India’s favour in the 51st minute after being fed by Sukhjeet Singh, who received a perfect aerial ball from Harmanpreet. India will take on Malaysia in the final tonight.
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