Improved India beat Japan 2-0 in the Japan series

Bhubanewsar, 05 May 2015: India definitely showed improvement in most department of the game, save earning penalty corners, and it showed on the scoreboard (2-0)today in the second match of the Japan Series.

Despite missing a flurry of goals, India could gladden the hearts of goody crowd in the Kalinga stadium, which is fast emerging as the vibrant of all hockey centres in India.

After settling for a 1-1 draw against Japan in the first match of the Indo-Japan series, India confidently defeated Japan 2-0 in the second match of the series at Bhubaneswar today.

The match had an interesting start where both the teams came out all attacking and showcased a fast paced game from the very beginning. While Japan was looking for a calculative move to enter into the Indian side with their long passes, the strong Indian boys were seen in full throttle to strengthen their defence line and create an initial opening in the match. With both the teams unable to score on the opportunities, the first quarter of the game went goalless.

In the second quarter both the teams were seen playing defensively waiting for the right moment to net the ball. Despite very positive play from Japan, the Indian side created several scoring opportunities as Birendra Lakra perfectly placed himself and passed the ball to Gurmail Singh who tried hitting the right flank but failed to hit the crossbar.

India took an early lead in the game when Yuvraj Walmiki gave a fine pass to Uthappa who flawlessly struck a beautiful field goal in the 27th minute of the game. The scores at half time stood at 1-0 with India in the forefront.

With a lead of 1-0 over Japan, the confident Indian boys tried to build pressure on the opponent team in the third quarter of the match and displayed some lovely moves and interceptions. India intensified their game play supported duly by Pradeep Mor who made several attempts to score while the Japanese boys were seen a little restless as they could not find any gaps to put the ball in the net. Amidst a very well organized defense from both the teams, the third quarter remained goal-less before giving way to the last quarter.

The fourth and the last quarter of the game began with the same momentum and the Indian team was seen attacking from the right flank. Japan made quick moves and continued to restrict the opponents to get into the circle until Dharamvir displayed a beautiful piece of action and effortlessly attacked the Japanese defence in the 48th minute, landing the ball into the nets taking the lead to 2-0.

Going on with the attack, Yuvraj Walmiki made a reverse stick shot but Japanese defence stood tall and the Indian efforts went in vain. While, the Japanese boys showed an impressive positioning sense on field throughout the game, the scoreboard showed a final score of 2-0 at the blow of the final whistle announcing a win for India.