India, Japan gear-up to win 2nd match of the Test Series tomorrow in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, 04 May 2015: After a high-intense match between India and Japan held yesterday, both the Asian teams will now step-on the field with a single goal to win the 2nd Test Match tomorrow 5 May 2015 to put a strong hold in the four-match Test Series, being played in Bhubaneswar.

In the 1st match, both the Asian teams fought neck-to-neck to take control of the ball and challenged each other’s strategies on the field. India started the match with their attacking game but it was Japan to score the first goal. India fought back strongly and they played as per their level. On the other hand, Japan was playing with long passes, which helped them to take the lead initially. However, they faced fierce attacks from the hosts after the goal and eventually the match was finished with 1-1 draw.

In tomorrow’s match, Indian players have to tackle Japan’s long passes as well as contain them in their half to create maximum goal-scoring opportunities. In the penalty corner, India has a stronger side than the visitors and in the presence of specialists such as VR Raghunath, Birendra Lakra and skipper Sardar Singh, Indians have ability to convert maximum penalty corners in goals. On the other hand, Japan could not materialise a single penalty corner yesterday and they found difficult to surpass world-class goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who stood like a wall in the goal-box.

In tomorrow’s match, both India and Japan will tweak their strategies to outplay each other. Indians will work on their defence side, whereas Japan will work on their penalty corner skills.

Speaking after the Practice Session, India Chief Coach Paul van Ass stated,“We didn’t play very good yesterday and faced strong challenges from the Japan side. As I told you earlier, don’t see the ranking, they are a very good Asian team, who plays in European style speedy hockey. We didn’t play as per our expectations in the first half, that’s why we conceded the goal. But we came back after the half-time and played well. The first match was like testing each other’s strength and we now know the Japanese better. We are working harder on our defence side and in the next match, we will step on the field with better strategies against the opponents.”

Speaking at the Practice Session at Kalinga Stadium, Japan Coach Keonwook Kang said, “Though we drew the match yesterday, we are not happy with our performance and we need to improve in various areas. We have a good defence but we need to work harder on attacking. We have a better understanding of Indian players now and we will make strategies around their style. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”

The 2nd match of the four-match Test Series will be held on 5th May 2015 at 07.00 pm at Kalinga Stadium, which will be telecasted LIVE on DD Sports.