New Delhi (Staff Correspondent), November 19: Even though India knocked on the door throughout the game and failed to convert any of their 12 penalty corners, they defeated Japan by 2-0 in the semifinals with two goals in the last quarter to advance to the Asian Champions Trophy final. The Women’s Hockey is being organised in Rajgir, Bihar.
The game was still in the balance until India ran into an amazing Yu Kudo in the Japanese goal, who made one incredible save after another. Deepika was eventually pushed in the back of the circle by Junon Kawai, who gave up a penalty stroke at the start of the fourth quarter. Kudo received a good hand from Navneet Kaur, who stepped up from the spot and hit a shot to the goalkeeper’s right, but the strike had just enough force to get into the net.
With five minutes remaining in the match, a superb play down the right flank led to the second goal. Neha first put Sunelita Toppo through down the wing, and Kudo was taken out of the game by the cross after her square ball hit Lalremsiami at the back post.
After that, India concluded the match in a professional manner, giving up just two penalty corners throughout play, which they successfully defended.
On Wednesday night, India will now play China in the championship match. Their 3-0 victory over China in the group stage will give them confidence, but they will also realize that they cannot afford to lose as many opportunities as they did in the semifinal.
