Despite Japan’s rookie  goalkeeper Kudo’s heroic sixty minutes, determined India managed to eke out a narrow 2-0 win over Japan in the semifinal at Rajgir, as experienced players rose to the occasion, guided the younger lot to hurdle past the task of defeating Kudo walled Japan. India will now lock horns with China tomorrow to defend their Asian Champions Trophy title which they won in Ranchi last year.

Despite total domination on every department of the game, goals were hard to come by for India as Japan would park entire ten in their citadel, and even if they fell short, Kudo would stand as rock of Gibraltar,  and would not let in any goals.

As all the three quarters did not see any goal, it was left to the seniors in the team to take up the task, guard the youngsters and force goals. Neha Goyal in the centre, Lalremsiami and Navneet in the attack took control. Their zonal play where each senior guided  their young colleagues, helped them ease out, remain hassles free and play normal but thrustful game. This delivered.

When India got a penalty stroke which stood video referral, it was expected Deepika would negotiate but instead experienced Navneet Kaur did. She did the job neatly to put India ahead 1-0 in the early stages of the last quarter. The clever move saved not only the day but also protected Deepika who was otherwise under pressure due to her no-show in penalty corner drills. Later, it was Laremsiami who capitalized on a beautiful move by Suelita Toppo to enhance the lead, enliven the crowd and ensure final’s passage.

India started the game with a high press, creating early circle entries, but Navneet and Sangita’s shots were saved by the goalkeeper. They maintained control, constantly winning the ball high up the pitch and gunning for goal, but were unable to find the back of the net. With four minutes left in the quarter, India earned a penalty corner, but Navneet’s shot was deflected over the bar. Their fluid build-up play led to another penalty corner a minute later, but Deepika’s flick was easily swatted away by Japan’s goalkeeper Yu Kudo, keeping the score at 0-0.

The onslaught continued in the second quarter; Lalremsiami embarked on a dangerous run down the left baseline as the quarter began, leaving the Japanese defense scrambling, but there was no one in blue to finish the move. India’s aggressive play ensured quick turnovers, earning them another penalty corner. However, Yu Kudo was in top form and saved Deepika’s low drag flick once again. On the other hand, Japan found it difficult to penetrate the Indian defense and couldn’t manage any circle entries or test the Indian goalkeepers. With six minutes left in the quarter, India earned another penalty corner. This time, Deepika aimed high, but Yu Kudo made another impressive save. Despite India’s relentless efforts, they were missing the finishing touch, and the first half ended goalless.

India slowed down the tempo to create a clear goalscoring chance in the third quarter. However, Japan remained solid in defence, willing to put their bodies on the line and forcing India to try and score through penalty corners. With four minutes left in the quarter, Deepika intercepted the ball high up the pitch and unleashed a powerful shot towards goal, but it sailed over the post. Despite earning multiple penalty corners until the last minute, India couldn’t find the breakthrough, as Yu Kudo remained unfazed in goal, leaving India looking at the sky for answers.

Within two minutes of the start of the last quarter, the ball fell to Sangita at the goal line from a penalty corner but Yu Kudo was there to bail the team out again. The very next play, Deepika was fouled in the circle and India were awarded a penalty stroke. Navneet Kaur stepped up to beat the Japanese keeper from the spot and finally break the deadlock for India. However, India didn’t show any signs of slowing down. With less than five minutes in the quarter, Sunelita Toppo blazed past two defenders on the right wing and cut the ball back to Lalremsiami, who whacked the ball into goal and doubled India’s lead. Japan were awarded a penalty corner with less than two minutes in the game but Bichu was alert in goal to swat the ball away and book India’s ticket to the Final.

Please find attached schedule and pictures.

India will play the final against China on 20th November at 4:45 PM IST.