The Indian men's hockey team avenged their defeat in the pool stage by defeating Japan 2-1 in their opening match of the Super-4 stage of the Asia Cup here on Saturday. The defending champions, who lost 2-5 against Japan in the pool stage, secured the victory with field goals from Manjit (8th minute) and Pawan Rajbhar (35th minute). Japan's lone goal came from a penalty corner by Takuma Niwa in the 18th minute.

Japan put pressure on India early in the match and got a penalty corner in the first minute itself but were foiled by the Indian players. With the progress of the match, the confidence of the Indian players also increased and they have started to dominate. Manjeet, after getting a pass from Pawan Rajbhar in the 8th minute, took the ball single-handedly from the left bank and turned it into a goal.

Maninder Singh gave India a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Neelam Sanjeev Jess's attempt was saved by the Japanese defense. Like in the opening quarter, Japan made an aggressive start in the second quarter with a penalty corner in the 18th minute. Ken Nagayoshi's flick was saved by Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera but Takuma Niwas scored 1-1 on the rebound.

After which Japan continued to press for two more penalty corners but the Indian defense failed them. A minute later, Karthi Selvam got a golden opportunity to score but he failed to get past the Japan goalkeeper. Rajbhar had converted Uttam Singh's brilliant pass into goal 5 minutes before the end of the second half. Japan, trailing by a goal, increased the pressure on India, but the Birender Lakra-led defense pushed them away from the goal post.

Japan got a penalty corner three minutes before the final hooter but the Indian team once again made a fine defense. India is scheduled to play Malaysia in their next Super Four stage match on Sunday. Meanwhile, South Korea and Malaysia have drawn 2-2 in the second Super Four match of the day.

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