<p>The Indian men's hockey team scored two fantastic field goals to beat Japan 2-1 in its first Super 4 league match and avenge its loss in the pool stage of the Asia Cup here on Saturday.</p>.<p>The defending champions, who lost 2-5 against Japan in the pool stage, scored two eye-catching field goals through Manjeet (8th minute) and Pawan Rajbhar (35th) to register a narrow win.</p>.<p>Japan's lone goal came from a penalty corner through Takuma Niwa in the 18th minute.</p>.<p>Japan threatened India initially and secured a penalty corner as early as in the opening minute but the Indians thwarted the danger.</p>.<p>The Indians grew in confidence and got their footing as the match progressed.</p>.<p>It was a moment of brilliance from Manjeet that handed India the lead. He made a brilliant solo run down the left flank after receiving a pass from Pawan Rajbhar and used 3D skills to perfection to beat Takashi Yoshikawa under the Japanese bar.</p>.<p>Maninder Singh earned India a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Nilam Sanjeep Xess' effort was saved by the Japanese defence.</p>.<p>As was the case in the first quarter, the Japanese started the second 15 minutes on a promising note and secured a penalty corner in the 18th minute from which Takuma Niwas scored from a rebound after Ken Nagayoshi's initial flick was saved by Indian goalkeeper Karkera.</p>.<p>Pepped up by the goal, Japan continued to put pressure on the Indian defence and earned two more penalty corners, which the Indian defence kept at bay.</p>.<p>Minutes later, Karthi Selvam missed a golden chance as he failed to get past Japanese goalie Yoshikawa from one-one-one situation.</p>.<p>Rajbhar restored India's lead five minutes into the second half, slotting home from close range after being set up by Uttam Singh's brilliant stick work.</p>.<p>Five minutes later, India conceded another penalty corner but the Japanese failed to capitalise on the chance.</p>.<p>Trailing by a goal, the Japanese mounted relentless pressure on the Indian citadel but the Birendra Lakra-led backline stood firm to keep their lead intact.</p>.<p>Just three minutes from the final hooter, Japan secured a penalty corner but the Indians defended in numbers to register the win.</p>.<p>India will play Malaysia in their next Super 4 stage match on Sunday.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, in the other Super 4 match of the day, South Korea and Malaysia played out a 2-2 draw.</p>.<p>In the Super 4s, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will play each other once with the top two teams progressing to the final.</p>
<p>The Indian men's hockey team scored two fantastic field goals to beat Japan 2-1 in its first Super 4 league match and avenge its loss in the pool stage of the Asia Cup here on Saturday.</p>.<p>The defending champions, who lost 2-5 against Japan in the pool stage, scored two eye-catching field goals through Manjeet (8th minute) and Pawan Rajbhar (35th) to register a narrow win.</p>.<p>Japan's lone goal came from a penalty corner through Takuma Niwa in the 18th minute.</p>.<p>Japan threatened India initially and secured a penalty corner as early as in the opening minute but the Indians thwarted the danger.</p>.<p>The Indians grew in confidence and got their footing as the match progressed.</p>.<p>It was a moment of brilliance from Manjeet that handed India the lead. He made a brilliant solo run down the left flank after receiving a pass from Pawan Rajbhar and used 3D skills to perfection to beat Takashi Yoshikawa under the Japanese bar.</p>.<p>Maninder Singh earned India a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Nilam Sanjeep Xess' effort was saved by the Japanese defence.</p>.<p>As was the case in the first quarter, the Japanese started the second 15 minutes on a promising note and secured a penalty corner in the 18th minute from which Takuma Niwas scored from a rebound after Ken Nagayoshi's initial flick was saved by Indian goalkeeper Karkera.</p>.<p>Pepped up by the goal, Japan continued to put pressure on the Indian defence and earned two more penalty corners, which the Indian defence kept at bay.</p>.<p>Minutes later, Karthi Selvam missed a golden chance as he failed to get past Japanese goalie Yoshikawa from one-one-one situation.</p>.<p>Rajbhar restored India's lead five minutes into the second half, slotting home from close range after being set up by Uttam Singh's brilliant stick work.</p>.<p>Five minutes later, India conceded another penalty corner but the Japanese failed to capitalise on the chance.</p>.<p>Trailing by a goal, the Japanese mounted relentless pressure on the Indian citadel but the Birendra Lakra-led backline stood firm to keep their lead intact.</p>.<p>Just three minutes from the final hooter, Japan secured a penalty corner but the Indians defended in numbers to register the win.</p>.<p>India will play Malaysia in their next Super 4 stage match on Sunday.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, in the other Super 4 match of the day, South Korea and Malaysia played out a 2-2 draw.</p>.<p>In the Super 4s, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will play each other once with the top two teams progressing to the final.</p>