Dhaka, Dec 19 (FN Agency) Defending champions India continued their winning run at the Asian Champions Trophy as they defeated Japan 6-0 in the league stage match here on Sunday. This was India’s third win in a row in the continental tournament after they were held by Korea in the tournament opener. The men in blue have already fixed their place in the semifinal and sit at the top of the standings with 10 points, followed by Korea with 6 points and Japan with 5 points. While Pakistan are placed fourth with 2 points and the hosts Bangladesh are at the bottom as they haven’t been able to open their account. Harmanpreet Singh (10’ and 53’), Dilpreet Singh (23’), Jarmanpreet Singh (43’), Sumit (46’) and Shamsher Singh (54’) were the goal scorer for India.
In the beginning of the first quarter, India were awarded back-to-back penalty corners within six minutes of the game, but failed to convert the opportunity. Japan quickly retaliated and earned a penalty corner but couldn’t manage to convert it into goal as India’s defence stood tall. In the 10th minute of the game, Harmanpreet opened India’s tally by scoring a goal via penalty corner. And India took 1-0 lead. By the end of the first quarter, India got a clear chance to extend the lead but Lalit Kumar missed the opportunity. In the second quarter, Japan were awarded their second penalty corner of the match but again failed to convert it into goal, as India continued their superb defence. In the 23rd minute, Dilpreet Singh efficiently navigated the ball into the back of the net with the help of fluent pass by Manpreet and India doubled their lead (2-0). Later, Japan earned back-to-back penalty corners but India’s defence showed their class and kept hold on Japan.
With a dominant first half, India head into the break with a 2-goal lead against Japan. India had a brilliant start in the third quarter, as Jarmanpreet added another beautiful field goal in the 34th minute and India stretched their lead by 3-0. Japan seemed to be in attacking mode as they exploited India’s chances to score goals and race forward to win a penalty corner for themselves but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera saved it and kept India in safe position. In the 46th minute, Sumit added fourth goal to India kitty and strengthened India’s control over the match. Japan missed an opportunity to score a goal in the 50th minute, when captain Kenta Tanaka missed the target by few inches. Harmanpreet scored his second goal in the 53rd minute and fifth goal for India. Shamsher’s goal through Shilanand Lakra’s beautiful pass in the 54th minute proved to be the last nail in the coffin. Japan tried their best but couldn’t manage to penetrate the Indian defence. India showcased their complete domination as they defended all five penalty corners awarded to Japan.