Harmanpreet Singh was stuck in just one league match against Japan. The Indian hockey team gave Japan no chance in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy. Harmanpreet started the semi-final against Japan in the same mood as they ended the last match of the league against Pakistan. The victory came with a margin of 5-0. India will face Malaysia in the final on Saturday.
The Indian team could not break the defense of Japan in the first 15 minutes of the semi-final. However, India took the first penalty corner in the second minute of the match. Japan’s goalkeeper prevents the team from collapsing. The Indian team started in an aggressive mood from the start. India could not open the mouth of the goal even though they took off one attack after another in Japan’s ‘D’.
After the first quarter ended goalless, the Indian team stepped up their attack in the second quarter. Manpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singha held Japan in their half. Japan’s defense collapsed under pressure in 20 minutes. The Indian team picked up the desired first goal. Akashdeep gave India the lead with an excellent field goal. After conceding the goal, Japan’s defense loosened. After 2 minutes, India earned the second penalty corner. Captain Harmanpreet scored a quick goal from that.
India’s third goal a minute before half time. In the 29th minute, Manpreet entered Japan’s ‘D’ with the ball from the midfield. Several Japanese players tried to stop him but failed. Manpreet took a shot at Mandeep who was standing in front of the goal. He had nothing to do but touch the ball stick. The Japanese players practically gave up after India went 3-0 up. However, the Indian team did not reduce the intensity of the attack that much.
Harmanpreet never let the rush of the match loose. Tried to keep possession of the ball throughout. His benefit came in the 38th minute. Manpreet once again entered the opponent’s ‘D’ at a fast pace from the midfield. He dribbled several Japanese players. Sumit did not make a mistake to get the ball from Manpreet in front of the goal. Karti Selvam scored the fifth goal for India in the 51st minute. Harmanpreet bowled to Karthik with a long and perfect scoop in the ‘D’. The first Tamil Nadu player to get a chance in the Indian hockey team scored a goal past two men.
Hockey India felicitated Indian team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh before the start of the game. He played his 300th match for India on Friday. Japan and South Korea will meet in the third-fourth place match on Saturday.