Sultan Azlan Shah Cup | Varun Kumar, Simranjeet Singh help India win 2-0 against Japan

After getting off to a goalless first quarter, India seemed to shake of the opening-match jitters to take control of the proceedings. With good ball possession, they sought the right opportunity to make an early breakthrough. Eight minutes into the second quarter, India won a PC and Varun Kumar stepped up to the responsibility to capitalize with a powerful, direct flick. The 1-0 lead in the 24th minute put India in good stead and mounted pressure on Japan. 

India's midfield with tactical play by seniors Manpreet Singh and Kothajit Singh saw them make forays into the striking circle with clever-passes, the strikers couldn't find the right connection, missing field-goal opportunity by inches. With four minutes remaining for the second hooter, a good pass by Sumit Kumar (Junior) to Mandeep Singh who flicked it towards the post missed the net by a margin. However, an alert defence saw India's Surender Kumar and Birendra Lakra impress time-and-again with effective tackle to disengage Japanese counter attacks. 

Playing in overcast conditions with temperature at about 28 degrees, India powered by good fitness levels accelerated towards a strong finish. They hunted for a second goal with good precision and structured game play, the attack remained resilient as they created a PC within minutes of the fourth quarter. This time though, Varun missed the mark, allowing Japan to launch a quick counter attack. Experienced Birendra Lakra was quick to respond and make a good steal. With dying minutes, Japan made desperate attempts for an opening but India stayed cautious. Japan tried different ways to dislodge India, used full-press to gain ball-possession but did not succeed. They removed their goalkeeper to add an extra man in the 55th minute but the tactic backfired with India making use of the opportunity as their fine attack led to a second goal. It was a diving effort by Simranjeet Singh that put India ahead by 2-0. With just two minutes remaining, Japan created a PC but the attempt was well-defended by Surender Kumar backed by goalkeeper Krishan Pathak who replaced Sreejesh after half-time.