India continued its dominance in the competition with a 3-0 win against Japan in the final league match of the Asian Champions Trophy on Sunday to seal its semifinal spot at the top of the table. Despite being defeated, Japan was able to advance to the knockouts after finishing in fourth place. This ensured that the two sides would face off once again in the knockouts.
This was India’s sixth win over Japan in their last seven encounters, but Japan defeated them the last time they faced each other earlier this year in the Paris Olympics. It was possible by scoring the lone goal in the match and dethroning India out of the competition. Although the Japanese team here is entirely different, the heartbreak of that defeat continues to rankle.
India completely dominated the match, leaving no space for Japan to get a look-in. In the second half, India was all over Japan by not letting them enter their circle. It was India’s defense that helped them win the match with ease.
