CHENNAI: Sometimes, one moment of brilliance is all it takes. When you have the skills, temperament and experience, one inspired play can change the narrative and turn the tide your way.
The first quarter had been goalless, and India were staring at the prospect of another scrap against the doughty Japanese. But then that moment came along, and things were not the same again. A stylishly crafted team goal opened the floodgates and then India never held back, scoring five goals and not letting even one in at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday.
Up against the resolute Japanese, India employed a lot more aerial passes to break down the stout defence, and succeeded gloriously. They drilled in four field goals, all from different players, underscoring the quality of the team effort.
The hosts broke the shackles with synchronized artistry in the 19th minute, as Jugraj Singh neatly brought down an aerial ball and played it to Manpreet Singh, who passed it on to Hardik Singh in the circle. After maneuvering the ball beautifully, Hardik played a one-two with Sumit and passed it goalward. Japan goalkeeper Takumi Kitagawa intercepted, but a waiting Akashdeep Singh pounced on the loose ball to put India ahead.
Four minutes later, the home team built up another delectable move as Harmanpreet Singh picked out a surging Jugraj, who pushed it toward Gurjant Singh, and the forward expertly found a Japanese foot to generate India's second short corner. This time, Harmanpreet went right and threaded the rushers, postman and goalie with surgical precision to hear the sweet sound of ball hitting board.
Having tasted blood, India struck one more time in the second quarter with a goal that went in Mandeep Singh's name, but belonged well and truly to Manpreet Singh. The star midfielder dribbled through the final third and overcame the challenge of four Japanese defenders before threading it through into the danger area, where Mandeep found the final touch and made it 3-0 seconds before the end of the first half.
The goal spree continued post the interval. Manpreet again engineered an opportunity in the 39th minute from the midfield, cutting open the defence and uncannily finding Sumit on the right flank, who zoomed inwards with silken stick-work to dodge a defender and came up with a breathtaking reverse-flick to score what was arguably the goal of the tournament.
India's front press was relentless. Four goals only served to whet their appetite and after a relative lull, they utilized yet another aerial ball from Harmanpreet. Sukhjeet Singh took it down and sent it local lad Karthi Selvam's way, who made no mistake and brought the Chennai crowd on its feet. The fifth goal wrapped up the walloping, but the fact that Japan could not score anything before or after meant India maintained their second consecutive clean sheet.
After delivering a standout performance, India vice-captain Hardik Singh said, "Patience, structure and execution were the key today, and the finishing and short corner conversion were excellent."
Earlier, veteran India custodian PR Sreejesh was felicitated as he completed 300 international appearances on the night.
