The Indians were given two consecutive penalty corners three minutes later, but both were missed.
Digital Desk: The Indian men's hockey team put in a solid performance to defeat Japan 1-0 and win the bronze medal in the Asia Cup on Wednesday.
Following a stirring 4-4 tie with South Korea on Tuesday, reigning champions India came out with a goal, scoring a field goal through Raj Kumar Pal in the seventh minute of the game and then defended in numbers to seal the deal.
In the first five minutes of the match, India started positively and attacked strongly, but their efforts faded once they were inside the opponent D.
The Indians, on the other hand, broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, with Uttam Singh performing all the hard work on the right flank to set up for Rajkumar Pal, who cleanly stroked the ball past Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa.
The Indians were given two consecutive penalty corners three minutes later, but both were missed.
Japan pressed hard in the final five minutes of the first quarter in quest of an equalizer, mounting many raids, but the Indian defence held firm to maintain their lead.
With a one-goal deficit, Japan continued to attack, earning two consecutive penalty corners in the 20th minute, but the Indians defended in force to maintain their lead.
Both Japan and India had a few more attempts in the second quarter, but both teams faltered in the final third.
After the change of ends, Japan went on the attack and quickly secured two more penalty corners, but they could not break down the tough Indian defence.
Meanwhile, India had a wonderful opportunity to expand their lead, but Rajkumar hit over from close range after receiving a pass from SV Sunil.
In the final two quarters, the Japanese exerted strong pressure on the Indian citadel to pursue an equaliser, but the Birendra-Lakra side stood firm to deny their opponents.
Japan won three penalty corners in a row in the 48th minute but couldn't break through the Indian defence.
In the 51st minute, Japan was given another penalty corner, but the Indian defence once again blocked the opportunity.
While Japan pressed hard in the final minutes, the Indians used numbers at the back to successfully protect their one-goal lead and finish on the podium.
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