Team India could not have picked a tougher semi-final opponent than Japan, the only team they have been unable to beat in the Asian Champions Trophy here so far. Their league-round meeting had ended 1-1.

However, the fact that the hosts earned a whopping 15 penalty corners in that draw, is a good enough pointer that the Indians are the far better side if one does not go by rankings alone (India are World No. 4 while Japan are 19).