(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Agility and ability to strike early goals led Japan to a memorable title-triumph over fancied Pakistan in the Oman Triangular Series that concluded at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (SQSC) on Tuesday.
The world No 16 upset its higher-ranked rival (world No 13) and four-time World Cup winners Pakistan 3-2 in a thrilling final, played in front of a sizeable crowd of Pakistan team supporters.
Japan's victory also avenged its group-stage 1-2 loss on Sunday after both the teams had played out a 2-2 draw on February 15, the tournament's second match. Coached by Dutchman Siegfried Aikman, Japan players' excellent fitness levels gave them a cutting edge throughout the tournament.
Japan skipper Manabu Yamashita receives the trophy
And on Tuesday, it was reflected in ample measure, once again, as the Samurai Japan made an explosive start to take the lead in the fourth minute of the match off a penalty corner. Koji Yamasaki made no mistake in converting the penalty corner and eight minutes later, Japan slammed another goal, this time a field goal through Kazuma Murata.
Stung by the twin strikes, Pakistan, managed by legendary Olympian Hassan Sardar and coached by another Pakistan Olympian and captain Rehan Butt, fought back and reduced the lead with a minute left for the first quarter as Muhammad Arslan Qadir connected a pass.
There was a tactical slowdown by both teams in the next quarter as Japan and Pakistan failed to convert chances that came their way to go into the halftime 2-1.
Action from the final match between Japan and Pakistan at the SQSC
The post-interval third quarter also failed to yield any goals as Pakistan pressed hard for the equaliser but a resolute Japanese defence stood firm. It was in the final quarter that the game sprung back into life with Hirotaka Wakuri giving Japan a two-goal cushion as he found the net past Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt five minutes into the last session.
A yellow card followed a minute later for Wakuri but Pakistan failed to exploit the advantage and despite making repeated forays, it was denied a goal.
With clock ticking towards the final hooter, Pakistan earned a penalty corner in the 56th minute. Ali Mubashar made no mistake to make it 2-3. Buoyed by the goal and cheered by its supporters, Pakistan pressed hard for the equaliser but Japan citadel remained intact to clinch the match and the title.
Later, Omantel Chief Executive Officer Talal al Mamari gave away the awards in the presence of Oman Hockey Association (OHA) chairman Talib al Wahaibi and other officials.
There were a tie for the top-scorer award with four players - Japan's Shota Yamada, Hirotaka Wakuri and Kenta Tanaka along with Pakistan's Shafqat Rasool - scoring three goals each.
In his remarks to Muscat Daily, Oman coach Tahir Zaman said, 'My boys benefitted a lot with matches against two of Asia's top teams ahead of our Asian Games qualifier next month.
'We played four games of high-intensity and managed to draw against Pakistan in an eight-goal thriller. Our boys displayed good intent and fighting spirit and were never overawed by the higher-ranked rivals.'
Zaman said that Japan was the fittest side in the tri-series and played competitive hockey to 'deservedly win the title'.
Oman is ranked world No 32 and will host the Asian Games qualifier at the SQSC from March 8-17 with nine teams including the hosts vying for the four spots available for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia in August-September.
MENAFN2102201801410000ID1096491027
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.