India vs Japan – AFC Asian Women’s Cup

This article covers a very interesting match between both teams, an amazing result for Japan and a disappointing night for India. Read more about all 11 goals!

(Image credit the AFC)

With Japan vs India, both teams came in with completely different stories. Japan were trying to keep their strong run going and push towards the finals, while for India it was about the opportunity to compete and challenge a top side. Japan were leading the group and started the match with possession of the ball. Both teams were trying to make history here.

Japan worked hard to get the ball up towards their goal, but the goalkeeper received the ball early on. There was a very early touch on the ball, and just three minutes in, Japan scored a goal from a far distance. It was fired into the top left corner.

India gained possession, but unfortunately not for long. They made it just past the halfway line, but Japan didn’t hesitate and quickly won the ball back. India really needed to look for these key moments to gain possession of the ball.

There were lots of headers in midfield, with India trying their best and showing resilience. Japan nearly had another good chance in the 11th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar. However, not even two minutes later, Japan scored again, placing the ball into the bottom left of the goal.

India’s defence had been absolutely amazing despite the pressure. Japan were completely in control with a possession rate of 79%. In the 15th minute, Japan had another shot on target, but it was saved by India’s goalkeeper. In the 17th minute, there was another shot on target, again saved by India. In the 19th minute, Japan scored again, right into the top centre of the goal.

India’s goalkeeper was doing some amazing goalkeeping with save after save. Unfortunately, there was a small collision between a Japanese and an Indian player. India were trying their best to make challenges and win tackles.

In the 34th minute, there was another goal for Japan, this time in the bottom centre of the goal. India were trying to be brave and doing their best to keep playing. In the 42nd minute, there was another opportunity for Japan, but the ball landed safely in the goalkeeper’s hands.

In the 48th minute, Japan were awarded a penalty and scored, making it 5–0 just before half-time.

As the second half kicked off, Japan immediately gained possession of the ball and quickly scored its sixth goal of the night. Not even minutes later, there was another goal for Japan into the bottom left of the goal.

India were trying to keep the ball out of the box as much as they could. In the 54th minute, Japan scored again into the bottom right of the goal, making it eight goals. India tried so hard to keep the ball out of the goal but unfortunately could not manage it.

In the 61st minute, Japan raced down the pitch and scored their ninth goal into the bottom left corner. Three minutes later, Japan took the score into double digits with a goal into the centre-right side of the goal.

India still didn’t give up, even though they were 10–0 down, but the India manager looked very stressed on the sideline.

In the 80th minute, Japan scored again into the bottom left corner. The Indian goalkeeper tried to save it, but it went in. With 11 goals scored by Japan, that was the end of the match.

It was an unfortunate heavy defeat for India, but they showed great resilience throughout the match, while it was an amazing performance from Japan.

Article written by Nailah Gajia