FIH Hockey Nations: India Beat Japan, Gets Closer To Semifinal

India defeated Japan 2-1 in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup on Monday in Valencia, Spain by stopping their late comeback. The Indian team is confirmed for the semifinals.

Salima Tete gave India the lead in the fifth minute as she changed direction and challenged two Japanese players inside the penalty area before calmly finishing the shot beyond Eika Nakamura.

In the 40th minute, a young Jharkhand player named Beauty Dungdung made a tremendous attempt to emerge through a determined Japanese hustle and score her maiden senior international goal.

Rui Takashima scored the game-tying goal in the 49th minute as Japan mounted a fierce comeback in the last frame.

Also Read: Women’s Ind vs Aus T20I: Indian Team Beat Australia In Super Over

However, India was able to hold on and earn their second victory in as many games. In the opening game of Pool B in the 8 countries competition, India defeated Chile 3-1.

With six points after two games, the Savita Punia-led team leads Pool B and is on the verge of securing a position in the final four.

If Chile & South Africa, who face later on Monday, draw their game, India will advance to the semifinals. 

If not, they must draw with South Africa in their final league game on December 14 in order to guarantee a spot in the last four.

India launched a barrage of attacks to start the game, and it was player of the match Tete who eventually handed them the advantage with an outstanding finish.

They could have easily scored a couple more, but the Janneke Schopman-led team continued to struggle with their penalty corner conversions.

Also Read: FIFA Fines ₹90 Lakhs On 3 Countries For Breaking Rules In Qatar World Cup

India received nine attempts from PC, but none of them were successful because it was still their top priority.

The Indian women’s hockey team had previously defeated Chile before this game. 

With a commanding 3-1 victory over Chile in Valencia, Spain, they have established a great beginning to their quest at the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022.