India beat Japan 4-1 to make it 3 out of 3 in Jalandhar
India beat Japan 4-1 in Jalandhar on October 30 in the Asian Champions Trophy, securing a third straight win; Abhishek scored twice and captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vishnukant added the other goals.
Defending champions India struggled for cohesion early but prevailed against a disciplined Japan side, with a penalty stroke from Shota Yamada briefly cancelling Abhishek’s opener. Abhishek was playing his 150th game and received a special jersey from Bhola Nath Singh before the match; India wore white jerseys tonight while Japan were in red shirts and black shorts. The build-up also focused on Amandeep Lakra, described in the coverage as having worked as a second dragflicker alongside Gonzalo Peillat and attracting considerable attention ahead of the game.
Japan applied early pressure after the start in Jalandhar, forcing an early penalty corner that went wide and causing India several turnovers. India broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Sukhjeet’s change of pace created space for Abhishek to finish, but Japan levelled from a penalty stroke at the end of the first quarter as Shota Yamada scored following a video umpire referral.
India struggled to convert promising moves in the middle periods despite building possession; by half-time Japan had been awarded four penalty corners while India had not secured a successful set-piece. A series of chances for India in the second quarter included a Hardik pass to Sukhjeet at 32 minutes that sailed over the goal and a blocked effort from Shilanand after a promising approach; an India penalty corner was overturned on a Japan referral later in the half.
The third quarter produced the decisive breakthrough when India earned a penalty corner and captain Harmanpreet Singh converted in the 47th minute to put India ahead for the first time in the match, prompting an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd. India extended the lead in the 51st minute when Abhishek reacted quickest after the goalkeeper saved his initial powerful effort, took a couple of touches, turned and slotted home from close range to make it 3-1.
Vishnukant wrapped up the scoring in the 56th minute, controlling an aerial pass, driving into the circle and unleashing a shot that beat the Japanese goalkeeper — the report noted a possible slight deflection on the effort. The coverage described India finishing strongly after a prolonged period of difficulty breaking down Japan’s defence earlier in the match.
Craig Fulton’s Japan were described as having pushed India and will look to correct mistakes from this fixture; all teams have a rest day before returning to Jalandhar on November 1, Sunday.