India Vs Japan Highlights: Get the updates and hockey scores of the IND vs JPN semifinal match right here
The match is scheduled to begin at 4:45pm IST. It will be broadcast and streamed live on the Sony Sports Network. The TV telecast will be on the Sony Sports Ten 1 channel and on the SonyLiv app and website in India. It will also be televised on the DD Sports channel in India.
India are the defending champions of the tournament, having won it twice, finished as runners-up twice, and secured third and fourth place once. Meanwhile, Japan have also won it twice, been runners-up twice, and finished in third place twice.
Total Matches Played: 27
Japan Won: 9
India Won: 14
Drawn: 4
The first semifinal of the tournament just concluded, and as expected, China defeated Malaysia 3-1 to secure their spot in the final.
India will hope to face them in the title clash on Wednesday.
India triumphed 3-0 in their last league game against the same opponent, and as the most experienced team in the competition, the defending champions are expected to retain their title. The team has improved with each match, but both players and the coach know that the knockout stage presents a whole new challenge.
Players line up on the field, with Japan in their cherry outfit and India in blue. The crowd cheers as the national anthems begin, starting with Japan's and then India's.
And the match hooter blows – the game is on. The Indians look relaxed but bring an aggressive edge to their play. All eyes and cheers are on India, as the stadium is packed and buzzing with excitement.
We can see the intent of the Indian women early on. In the first few minutes, they penetrate the circle with multiple shots on goal, but the Japanese defense holds strong. The first shot from Sangita is blocked, but India keep possession.
The second shot, a fierce strike from Navneet, is also blocked by the goalkeeper. However, it’s clear that these attacks have shaken Japan's confidence.
India earn the penalty corner after several penetrations into the circle. Now, we'll have to see if they can capitalize on it. Deepika is on the field and goes for the drag flick. The shot is on target but not enough to beat the goalkeeper. Two quick penalty corner chances for India, but they fail to convert.
That's the end of the first quarter. India are the better team that's evident, creating several chances, but Yu Kudo is keeping them blocked as goalkeeper.
The second quarter kicks off with a flurry of penalty corners. Salima injects, Navneet takes a powerful slap hit, trying for a deflection from Sangita, but Japan's defense stands tall. Another PC for India.
The second one’s a bit slow, but Navneet’s shot finds its mark, earning yet another PC.
Then, disaster strikes, Sushila fluffs her trap, making it her second mistake on penalty corners. India’s had three PCs, but the pressure is on.
Yu Kudo, what a goalkeeper. India waste five penalty corners, doing everything right except scoring. Japan is struggling to control the game. A green card is shown to Preeti Dubey, so India will play the next two minutes with 10 players.
Now, this feels like a semifinal. The crowd is on edge as both teams give it their all, one defending, the other attacking. That’s been the story so far. India is doing everything to score, dominating possession and attacking relentlessly, but Yu Kudo is like a mountain in front of their goal.
What an onslaught we’ve seen so far. That’s the half-time break. No goals to show, but plenty of chances for India. They’ve won nine penalty corners but couldn’t convert. Japan hardly got going with the ball but managed to keep the scoreline at 0-0.
India will hope to find success in the second half, just like they did against China and Japan in their last two matches.
Salima takes a blow to the head after getting in contact with a Japanese stick. She takes a quick break but will continue the match. Meanwhile, Sangita has the ball in the goal, converting from close range, but the umpire rules it out. She went too hard on the dive.
Neha concedes a penalty corner, Japan's first. However, India opt for a review, with Neha confident she got the ball. Replays confirm it was a clean tackle, and the TV umpire agrees, overturning the decision. A solid review by the Indian team.
India have earned a total of 12 penalty corners, with every quarter starting with one. But the bigger issue is that India has been unable to capitalize on them. Now, another foul inside the circle by Japan gives India another chance. Deepika takes the shot, but Kudo saves it. Lalremsiami goes for the rebound, but her effort is blocked, despite pressure from Sangita.
After 15 penalty corners gone to waste, it was a penalty stroke that saw Navneet Kaur beat Yu Kudo, despite the goalkeeper going the right way. India finally take the lead in the fourth quarter at 12:58, securing the much-needed breakthrough. It looks like the crowd has regained their decibel levels.
India secure their second goal, and it's a well-deserved one. After several missed penalty corners, Lalremsiami takes her opportunity and slots the ball past the post, putting India 2-0 ahead.
And here we are, with the "India Wale" playing in the background. The full-time bell rings, and India are through to the final with a tough but deserving 2-0 win against Japan in this match.
Yu Kudo, Japan's goalkeeper, was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance. She made it incredibly difficult for India to score, denying them on 15 penalty corners, showcasing her relentless effort and skill between the posts.
India will face a formidable China in the final on Wednesday, November 20. That wraps up our coverage of this match. Thank you for staying with us, and be sure to check out our website for more updates on the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 and other sports from around the world.