22 December,2012 09:01 AM IST | | IANS
VR Raghunath's brace helped India beat Japan 3-1 giving them their second win in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here
yesterday.
V Raghunath
India earned their first penalty corner in the 22nd minute with the help of Birendra Lakra and Gurvinder Singh Chandi, which was successfully converted by vice-captain Raghunath.
Thereafter, Japan earned two consecutive penalty corners in the first half but Indian defenders thwarted both.u00a0In the second half, the Japanese equalised in the 50th minute through a penalty corner. However, their happiness was shortlived as Gurvinder Singh Chandi scored a minute later to once again give India the lead.
India dominated the proceedings thereafter and continued attacking the Japanese striking circle. They were finally rewarded for their persistence through a penalty corner. Once again, full-back Raghunath converted for 3-1. India are the defending champions of this tournament and will next face Oman on Sunday.
