Navneet Kaur was unstoppable and scored a memorable hattrick. India will now look to carry the good form ahead in the tournament when they face mighty China. For now, it's goodbye from us. A reminder of the final score. INDIA 4 - JAPAN 1
Aki Yamada scored a goal for Japan but it was India all the way in their first encounter of the Asian Champions Trophy. The defending champions dominated the Japanese from the opening whistle and displayed great speed and skill. The defence was solid as well. Joy for the Indian girls! Joy for Sjoerd Marijne! India could easily have scored a couple of more goals, such was their class today.
India should have scored at least one if not two goals given the kind of chances they had and sealed the deal. Can they hang on or increase the tally in the final 15 minutes?
India scored a peach of a goal with Vandana weaving her way through the Japanese defence and almost toying with the Japanese defenders before directing a pass to Navneet who took her time to take the shot but still beat the Japanese goalie.
Unlike in the Commonwealth Games where the Indians girls started slowly and took their time to settle in, they attacked from the opening minute today and displayed great intent. The Indian strikers created several chances and the defence has held firm. Overall, some great hockey on display by the Indians but they have another half to go and will need to keep the momentum up.
24' India have looked the better side without doubt. The Indian girls dominating possession and launching some great attacks. GOALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!