Japan beat India 2-0 in a match for the 5th-8th position in the Women’s Hockey World League Semifinal here on Thursday.

India made a zestful start to its campaign against Japan with Monika getting an early shot on goal in the opening minute of the game. But Japan’s goalkeeper Megumi Kageyama made a good save to deny India the early lead. In the following minutes, Japan put up a tighter defence while its attackers broke the Indian defence to foray into the striking circle. 

The aggressive approach resulted in Japan winning its first penalty corner of the match in the seventh minute which was successfully converted by Kana Nomura.

Japan won two more penalty corners in the 8th and the 10th minute but India’s Monika and Savita came up with good saves.

The second quarter saw Indian attackers try different channels to break the Japanese defence but in vain. Akiko Kato of Japan showed excellent dribbling skills to carry the ball into the circle and take a shot on goal but Savita was exceptional in her effort to save. Japan created another chance when Yuri Nagai cut inside the circle beating defender Gurjit Kaur but Savita came up with yet another noteworthy save.

India will play its match for the 7th-8th position on July 22.