Hockey
FIH Hockey Nations Cup: India beat Japan 2-1 — Highlights
India have almost sealed their place in the semifinals by racking up their second win in as many matches.
India vs Japan, FIH Hockey Nations League
FIH Hockey Women's Nations League: India beat Japan 2-1 to almost seal their semifinal spot. They had earlier beaten Chile 3-1. India have gone to the top of Pool B with 6 points from 2 games. Only a miracle can now knock India out.
Salima Tete's early goal in Q1 and Beauty Dungdung's first ever official goal for India gave India a 2-0 lead. Japan tried to fight back, but India held their nerves in the final few minutes to hold out.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 12 Dec 2022 2:42 PM GMT
13' - Lalremsiami produces a chance
A long Review for a foot inside the Indian circle, which finally goes India's way. Another few attacks are made into the Japanese circle, but still it's Salima Tete's goal which separates the two teams.
Lalremsiami now dribbles in into the circle from the right, sets up a shot by Udita. A good save by Nakamura to keep the score at 1-0.
- 12 Dec 2022 2:36 PM GMT
10' - Japan attack via PCs
India build a few attacks but then there's a bad tackle by Udita to break up a Japanese counter-attack. Japan have the first PC of the match. It's their first real chance of the day.
Lalremsiami rushes out to block. Another PC. Savita dives to her right to save the second attempt.
- 12 Dec 2022 2:31 PM GMT
5' - Salima Tete scores
Salima Tete scores! Vandana was getting close to getting an open shot within the circle for a while, but it's Salima who breaks the deadlock. This was always coming. Can India assert their dominance more?
- 12 Dec 2022 2:29 PM GMT
4' - Navneet produces a chance
Navneet produces a magical run on the right flank and puts it in the centre. Sonika has an open sight of goal. Shoots just wide. The first real chance of the match. Good start by India.
- 12 Dec 2022 2:27 PM GMT
2' - Lateral passing from Spain
And...we're off. India attack first from right to left. Spain regain possession and play some lateral passing in their own half. Must have seen the FIFA World Cup campaign for their country.
- 12 Dec 2022 2:10 PM GMT
All set for anthems
The teams are out. The anthems and kick-off coming up soon.
- 12 Dec 2022 1:25 PM GMT
Spain at top of Pool A
Spain and Ireland have won their matches in Pool A today. Which means India are likely to face Ireland in the semis, provided they beat Japan today.
The semis will be played over the weekend. At stake will be a spot in next year's Pro League, the top division of international women's hockey.
