During the semi-final at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium in Rajgir on November 19, 2024, it was a good game with India able to walk away with a 2-0 win over Japan. In this regard, India now face an interesting final against China.
Match Summary: India vs Japan
| Category | India (IND) | Japan (JPN) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 2 | 0 |
| Penalty Corners Earned | 16 | 1 |
| Penalty Corners Converted | 0 | 0 |
| Circle Penetrations | 30 | 4 |
| Green Cards | 2 | 0 |
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Key Moments of the Match
First Half: Defensive Showdown
- The game remained goalless in the first two quarters as India dominated possession and created multiple chances, earning 9 penalty corners by halftime.
- Japan’s goalkeeper, Yu Kudo, displayed incredible skill, making numerous saves to deny India an early lead.
Second Half: India Break Through
- The third quarter ended without any goals, but India kept the pressure on with relentless attacks and strong circle penetrations.
- In the final quarter, India finally broke the deadlock when Navneet Kaur converted a penalty stroke in the 13th minute. This came after Deepika was fouled inside the circle.
Second Goal Secures the Win
- Soon thereafter, Lalremsiami, helped out by Sunelita Toppo, scored with a time-perfect shot that sealed the game 2-0 in favor of Ind
Player of the Match
Despite India’s win, Yu Kudo, Japan’s goalkeeper, was awarded the Player of the Match for her heroic efforts, saving 15 penalty corners and keeping the scoreline competitive.
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Team Lineups and Stats
India’s Performance
| Player | Goals Scored | Penalty Strokes Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Navneet Kaur | 1 | 1 |
| Lalremsiami | 1 | 0 |
Japan’s Defensive Wall
| Player | Saves Made |
|---|---|
| Yu Kudo | 15 |
Head-to-Head Record
Earlier in the group stage, India and Japan met when India beat Japan 3-0, Following this current win, India has won two times in a row in this contest to show clearly its superiority over Japan
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Upcoming Final: India vs China
On the same venue on November 20, 2024, India and China will be playing each other in the final match. It will be a strong match for India against China at that time. China won by 3-1 against Malaysia in the other semi-final game.
Well, India showed great grit and determination to beat Japan. The team has been perfect so far in the tournament, and to defend the title, this time they are going to their third Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
