India defeat Japan 3-1 to register second win

VR Raghunath’s brace helped India beat Japan 3-1 and won their second match of the 2nd Asian Champions Trophy in Doha on Friday.

India earned their first penalty corner in 22nd minute with the help of Birendra Lakra and Gurvinder Singh Chandi, which was successfully converted into goal by Vice-Captain VR Raghunath and took the lead in the first half of the match.

Japan earned two consecutive penalty corners in  the first half but Indian defenders ruined both of their opportunities.

In the second half, Japanese equalized the score in 50th minute through a penalty corner. However, their celebration couldn’t go beyond a minute as Gurvinder Singh Chandi scored the second goal in 51st minute and India took lead again.

India continued their domination and attacked the opponent through-out the second half. Full-back VR Raghunath scored again via penalty corner and sealed the victory for India.

India will now face Oman on Sunday, 23 December 2012.