Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar, May 7: India played with clinical precision to beat Japan 2-1 to clinch the series 2-0, with a match still left, at the Kalinga Stadium here Thursday.
Vokkaliga Raghunath scored in the 30th minute and Akashdeep Singh struck in the 38th minute, while Wakari Hirotaka got one back for the visitors.
Both the teams created many chances in the first half, but failed to score. Orissa star Birendra Lakra made a brilliant save in the 10th minute of the match by deflecting a fiercely struck shot away from the goal. Although India also created many opportunities, the Japanese players gave them a good run for their money with their long passing methods.
In the second quarter Japan played aggressively with 60 percentage of possession and in the process created many scoring opportunities. Indian goal keeper Harjot Singh saved a couple of shots in the 19th and the 27th minutes respectively. The home team’s defense also rose to the occasion to thwart the Japanese.
However, India turned out to be more opportunistic as they upped their ante during the last part of the second quarter and got a penalty corner in the process. V Raghunath dully converted it much to the delight of a sparse audience here.
The third quarter was the most productive, as both the teams struck once each. India started at their aggressive best. Akashdeep Singh tucked one inside the goal post to score a brilliant field goal for India.
The hosts continued to dominate the game, but during the last part got a bit complacent. Japan got a penalty corner in the 44th minute and Wakari converted it with a great flick.
In the fourth quarter, India played a safe defensive game to ensure their victory and with it the series.
