Four-nation hockey tournament: Unbeaten India in Belgium rerun

New Delhi: India defeated Japan 4-2 in Hamilton on Saturday to enter the four-nation invitational tournament’s second-leg final unbeaten.

India’s goals came from Vivek Sagar Prasad (12th minute), Varun Kumar (30th), Mandeep Singh (58th) and Ramandeep Singh (58th). Japan responded through Seren Tanaka (14th) and Shota Yamada (43rd).

India earlier beat hosts New Zealand (3-2) and Belgium (5-4). They face world no.3 Belgium, who earlier blanked New Zealand 4-0, in the final on Sunday.

India had greater ball possession and passed accurately in the first quarter. 
Harjeet Singh and Arman Qureshi combined to create the first goal, which as slotted in by Prasad.

But soon after going ahead 1-0, India were punished for giving up possession easily, Japan utilising a quick counter from the left flank.

India grew into the game in the second quarter but Japan defended dourly till a lapse in concentration allowed India to earn back-to-back penalty corners, Kumar converted the second opportunity.