India thrash Japan 5-1 for his or her second consecutive win in Asian Champions Trophy | Hockey Information – Instances of India

NEW DELHI: Defending champions India secured their second consecutive win within the males’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey match, defeating Japan 5-1 in a league match on Monday in Hulunbuir.
Sukhjeet Singh scored twice within the second and 60th minutes, supported by targets from Abhishek, Sanjay, and Uttam Singh. Japan’s Matsumoto Kazumasa managed to internet a comfort purpose within the 41st minute.
India, who had beforehand crushed China 3-Zero of their opening league match, made a robust begin.
Sukhjeet opened the scoring in simply the second minute with a discipline purpose, capitalizing on a cross from Sanjay. Abhishek doubled the lead within the subsequent minute, dribbling previous a number of Japanese defenders and scoring by rounding off the goalkeeper.
The second quarter noticed India prolong their result in 3-0, with Sanjay changing a penalty nook within the 17th minute. The dominant half left India in a cushty place whereas Japan, third-place finishers within the 2023 version of the match, tried to regroup.
Japan earned a penalty nook within the 21st minute however couldn’t convert, as India’s protection blocked the drag-flick. This led to a swift counter-attack by India, ending simply inches from the purpose.
India’s 67 p.c ball possession within the second quarter allowed for 11 circle entries and three pictures on purpose, displaying their dominance. After the half-time break, India maintained their momentum however confronted resistance from Japan.
Japan managed to attain within the 41st minute by Kazumasa, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. Indian goalie Krishan Pathak had little probability to cease the well-executed discipline purpose.
Shortly earlier than Japan’s purpose, India had a near-miss when Vivek Sagar fell wanting scoring a fourth purpose. Nonetheless, India added a fourth purpose within the 54th minute, as Jarmanpreet Singh assisted Uttam Singh to transform a advantageous discipline purpose.
Sukhjeet finalized the scoreline along with his second purpose within the 60th minute from an help by Abhishek, capping a complete staff efficiency.
“It was an entire staff effort right now and we caught to fundamentals. We produced good assault and ensured we had been on course,” Hero of the Match Abhishek stated.
Harmanpreet Singh-led India will meet last-edition’s runners-up Malaysia on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a relaxation day.
After the round-robin league among the many six groups, the top-four sides qualify for the semifinals to be performed on September 16. The ultimate is scheduled for September 17.