Under-18 Asia Cup: Indian girls go down to Japan

In the shoot-out, both teams scored off their first two attempts before missing the third. India missed its fourth attempt too as Japan’s final shooter converted successfully.

India got off to a fantastic start and scored in the fifth minute after some brilliant interplay in the midfield.

The Indian junior women’s hockey team lost to Japan 4-2 via shoot-out in the semifinals of the fourth Under-18 Asia Cup on Wednesday.

The two teams were locked at 1-1 after full time. India got off to a fantastic start and scored in the fifth minute after some brilliant interplay in the midfield. A deft cross from the right was met by Lalremsiami, who reverse hit the ball into the goal.

Japan slowly inched its way back into the game, building up play patiently. The Indian women remained aggressive on the counter and played with speed to constantly blunt the opposition’s attack, creating a few chances for themselves as well. The two teams went into the break with India leading 1-0.

In the second half, both teams settled into a slower pace as the Indian women controlled the possession, winning penalty corners while looking to penetrate into the Japanese defence.

They held solid at the back though, not letting Japan get a look in. However, Japan equalised in the 62nd minute through Tamura Ayana.

In the shoot-out, both teams scored off their first two attempts before missing the third. India missed its fourth attempt too as Japan’s final shooter converted successfully.