– by Pratyusha Mukherjee, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Japan came close to reducing the deficit, but their effort was brilliantly blocked by Karkera, who kept India’s lead intact.
India eventually found the much-needed cushion in the 40th minute. From their sixth penalty corner, Harmanpreet Singh unleashed a powerful flick into the bottom-left corner of the Japanese goal, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and extending India’s lead to 2-0.
India earned another penalty corner in the 43rd minute, but Harmanpreet’s initial attempt was kept out by the goalkeeper. The Indian captain immediately called for a referral, with the review confirming a foot and awarding India another penalty corner. Harmanpreet opted for an aerial flick this time, but his effort sailed wide of the target.
Japan continued to push hard in the final quarter, but India remained composed and disciplined. Jugraj Singh came close in the 46th minute with a powerful penalty-corner strike, but the attempt was directed straight at the goalkeeper.
India earned three more penalty corners in quick succession between the 54th and 55th minutes, but could not convert any of the opportunities.
Japan had one final opening in the 58th minute when Manabu Yamashita found space after a poor stop at the top of the circle. However, his shot travelled across the face of goal without troubling the Indian defence.
India remained in control during the closing minutes to complete a 2-0 victory, with the defending champions displaying composure and defensive discipline in a closely contested encounter against the hosts.
