Ahead of the
semifinals at the Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, India’s head coach,
Harendra Singh, was asked why India performs better in the second halves of
matches. He jokingly replied, “Sometimes Plan B becomes Plan A, and it works.
The opponents are also doing their homework,” adding with a smile, “In every
match, we’re making the opponent’s goalkeeper the hero.”
Harendra was
hinting at India's struggle to finish chances, often rushing shots at the
goalkeeper. The next day, Japan’s goalkeeper, Yu Kudo, almost lived up to that
description, playing like a superhero in the semifinal. She made a series of
amazing saves to keep India from scoring, but in the end, India won 2-0, thanks
to goals from Navneet Kaur (48’) and Lalremsiami (56’).
Kudo was
outstanding, reading the Indian forwards' every move. She made saves with her
pads, stick, and feet, earning her the title of player of the match. Despite
India's dominance — 23 circle entries to Japan’s 6 — they struggled to convert
their chances. India won 13 Penalty Corners, but it took 48 minutes before they
scored.
Deepika,
India’s primary drag-flicker, had a frustrating game. She was repeatedly denied
by Kudo and missed a couple of good chances. However, early in the final
quarter, she was awarded a Penalty Stroke after being fouled in the circle,
allowing Navneet to score. After the match, Harendra noted that India should
have scored more from their Penalty Corners, but he gave credit to Kudo for her
excellent saves.
India’s
second goal was a beauty, with 17-year-old Sunelita Toppo showing her
incredible pace and stick skills. She sprinted down the right, then picked out
Lalremsiami at the far post for an easy finish. Navneet praised Sunelita for
her great assist, saying it was a sign of her bright future with the team.
Before the game, Harendra told his players to stay calm and composed, like Buddha, when in the circle. Though it’s hard to stay calm under pressure, especially in big moments, he hopes India can avoid the late drama when they face China in the final.
