India men hockey (Photo/Hockey India)
India run riot in final quarter
India went into the half-time break trailing 0-1 and still searching for their first penalty corner of the match. The rebound fell to Vivek Sagar Prasad, who smashed it past the keeper with a superb half-volley to make it 4-1. Nilakanta Sharma won a loose ball and initiated the move, with Shilanand’s initial effort saved by the goalkeeper.
Japan stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the third minute. Matsumoto collected the ball on the left, made his way into the circle and unleashed a powerful reverse-hit effort that beat Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera. India had a few opportunities through Abhishek and Hardik Singh, but their efforts failed to trouble the Japanese goalkeeper enough. India returned with greater intent after the break and gradually began putting Japan under pressure. Harmanpreet Singh, who had been one of the tournament’s leading goal-scorers, came close with a penalty-corner effort, but Japanese goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda stood firm. Japan challenged the goal, claiming that Aditya’s pass was dangerous, but the TV umpire found no clear reason to overturn the on-field decision. The goal stood, bringing India back into the contest. Hardik Singh played a key role in India’s second goal in the 48th minute. Showing excellent composure under pressure inside the circle, he recovered possession after his initial pass was blocked and set up Dilpreet Singh. The forward took a touch before producing a brilliant finish with his back to the goalkeeper to put India ahead for the first time. India struck again just a minute later to put the result beyond Japan’s reach.