Hockey | Asia Cup 2017: India thrash Japan 5-1 in opening encounter
India got off to an impressive start in the men’s hockey Asia Cup in Dhaka with a 5-1 victory over Japan in a Pool A match. Although they missed a number of chances, the Indians completely outplayed their opponents on Wednesday.
In their first tournament under a new coach, India meant business and found the net in each quarter, twice in the third, to streamroll their less-fancied but tricky opponents. SV Sunil (3rd minute), Lalit Upadhyay (22nd), Ramandeep Singh (33rd) and Harmanpreet Singh (35th and 48th) were on target.
Japan’s lone goal came through Kenji Kitazato’s stick in the 4th minute. World No 6 India did not look rusty under their new coach, Marijne Sjoerd, who took charge of the team just last month following the sudden sacking of Roelant Oltmans.
India were quick to get off the blocks when Sunil, after a fine one-two with Akashdeep Singh, pushed the ball in an open net. But India’s joy was shortlived as Japan struck in the next minute through Kitazato’s field strike. The Indians completely dominated the proceedings and exploited every single bit of space given by the Japanese. They utilised both the wings to perfection to set up their attacks.
India got their first …read more
