India defeated Japan 2-1- To advance to the Semi Finals

India defeated Japan : The FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup semifinal position was all but assured for India on Monday after they held off a late comeback from Japan to win 2-1.

India took the lead in the fifth minute thanks to Salima Tete, who changed course while tackling two Japanese defenders inside the penalty area before calmly finishing the play in front of Eika Nakamura.

Then, in the 40th minute, a young Jharkhand player named Beauty Dungdung scored her first senior-level international goal with a magnificent effort as she made her way through a determined Japanese hustle.

Rui Takashima’s 49th-minute goal gave Japan a chance to tie the score in the last frame, but India held on to earn their second victory in as many games. India won their Pool B opening match against Chile 3-1 in the eight-nation competition.

The Savita Punia-led team has six points after two games to lead Pool B and is on the verge of securing a position in the last four.

They must draw with South Africa in their final league game here on December 14 in order to guarantee their spot in the last four.

With a barrage of attacks to start the game, Player-of-the-Match Tete finally gave India the advantage with an outstanding finish. They could have easily scored a few more, but the team led by Janneke Schopman’s coaching staff continued to struggle with their conversions from penalty corners.

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