Japan claimed a historic 5-3 win over India in the semi-finals of the 2021 Asian Champions Trophy. This victory was a sweet revenge for Japan after their earlier group stage loss to the same opponent. Marking the first time they have ever beaten India in hockey, the Japanese team stunned the defending champions, who struggled to find their form in Dhaka. Japan's balanced approach of fierce attacking and tight defending paved their way to the final against South Korea, while India is relegated to a bronze medal clash with Pakistan.
Having been thrashed 6-0 by India in the group stages, Japan entered this match with a completely different energy, attacking relentlessly from the opening whistle. They blindsided India by netting two goals within the first five minutes of play. The pressure started immediately with a first-minute penalty corner, which Shota Yamada converted by slotting the ball into the bottom right corner past Suraj Karkera. Japan doubled their lead almost immediately when Raiki Fujishama hammered home a penalty stroke, leaving India reeling.
India collapsed rapidly under the pressure. Japan's dominance was so absolute that they managed to win six penalty corners in the first quarter alone. The Japanese team looked like a transformed squad for this high-stakes encounter, while the Indian players struggled to find any rhythm or create scoring opportunities early on. It wasn't until the 17th minute that Dilpreet Singh managed to pull one back with a field goal, slightly narrowing the gap.
As the match progressed, both defenses tightened up, making goals harder to come by. However, Japan regained control after Pathak fouled Tanaka, leading to a penalty that Kirishita coolly converted to make it 3-1. Japan then extended their lead to 4-1 through some masterful teamwork; Kosei Kawabe scored against an isolated goalkeeper while the Indian defense remained frozen. Tanaka continued to play a pivotal role, providing a selfless and precise cross to Ryoma Ooka, who finished it clinically.
By the end of the third quarter, Japan held a commanding four-goal lead, leaving the Indian side disjointed and without a clear plan. India attempted a comeback in the final quarter, with Harmanpreet Singh firing a brilliant drag-flick to make it 2-5, followed by a penalty corner goal from Hardik Singh to bring the score to 3-5. Despite this late surge in the final 15 minutes, it wasn't enough to stop the 2018 Asian Games champions from clinching the victory.