Fighting japan

Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro: The 2018 Asian Games gold medallists Japan turned the equations in Pool A upside down by holding World No.5 Germany 1-1 in a key league match of the women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro-Turf Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

It was Super Sunday for Japan as they defended brilliantly in the first half and then played very aggressively after Germany scored the first goal to not only fight back and equalise but also nearly push Germany to the brink of defeat. With a little bit more fortitude and luck, Japan could have caused a huge upset in the tournament and virtually sealed a place in the semifinals.

Lisa Nolte scored for Germany in the 35th minute after Valentin Altenburg's side missed chances galore including 13 penalty corners in the first session. But that goal seemed to jolt Japan into action and the Asian team that sat back in their half and absorbed the pressure turned volatile and pinned the World No.5 deep in their own half and created many chances.