Asia Cup 2022: India win bronze with a 1-0 win over Japan

The Indian side started aggressively and launched back-to-back attacks halted by the Japanese defence in the fifth minute. However, they went into the match with purpose and soon broke the deadlock in the seventh minute to get an early lead. 

Rajkumar Pal slotted the ball into the net with a neat shot after receiving a pass from Uttam Singh past the Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa. The Indian side secured two consecutive penalty corners just three minutes later but failed to convert them. Japan mounted a counter-attack with hopes of scoring an equalizer in the final minutes of the first quarter, but the Indian defence held firm to maintain their lead.

The Indian side went heavy on defence in the setting quarter, placing most of their players in defensive roles. Japan got two back to back penalty corners in the 30th minute but failed to make much use of them. India got an opportunity to double the lead when a pass by SV Sunil reached Rajkumar. However, the Indian striker missed the chance after his close-range shot went over the net.

Birendra Lakra stood like a rock in a remarkable display of defensive skills to deny the Japanese attackers the opportunity to score an equalizer. The Japanese side attempted to put more pressure on the Indian side and got three back to back penalty corners in the 48th minute. The Indian backline held firm and denied Japan the equalizer once again. The final whistle rang with India emerging victorious with a narrow lead of 1-.0.

India successfully defended its one-goal lead to secure a podium finish at the 2022 Asia Hockey Cup. South Korea will face Malaysia in a much-awaited title clash later in the day.