Canada versus Japan: FIH Champions Challenge I – Mid Match Analysis
Canada, the 11th ranked team according to the world rankings, has currently locked horns with Japan in the final encounter of the FIH Champions Challenge I preliminary round, underway at the Randburg Hockey Stadium, in Johannesburg, South Africa,
on November 29.
The two line-ups began the game sensibly, exchanging attacks in the early part of the first half. However, it was the Canadian team that held the ball under their sticks right from the beginning minute of the match.
Canada was playing a passing game with its players moving the ball forward and blocking the attacks from the opposite team.
With three minutes into the game, a Canadian player found a gap inside the 25-yard line and slammed a powerful shot at the Japanese goal, opening the score-account by 1-0. The Japanese goalie did not have any chance to stop the ball.
The opening goal boosted the morale of the Canadian players, speeding up their efforts against Japan. They upheld their fast and furious style of play, accomplishing back to back attacks against their rivals.
Keegan Pereira (Canada) managed to snatch the ball from the midfield and sent a pass at the right flank, but it went wide.
Canadian, Rob Short received the ball at the left of the goal and put a pass through to Kenny Pereira in front of the goal, but the Japanese goalie easily cut it off.
The Japanese players were playing defence in order to avoid a second goal. On the other hand, the Japanese attackers were also in action in search of an equaliser.
In the later time period, the Canadian team missed a penalty corner, which was a sure-goal chance for them to double the tally.
With five minutes left at the clock, Koji Kayukawa converted a short corner for Japan, tying the knots at one-all.
Battling for a go-ahead goal, the two teams played an end-to-end game in the remaining time period. However, the two teams failed to break away from the deadlock.
The first thirty-five minutes of play completed with both, Canada and Japan, stuck in a one-all deadlock. More details are on way with the second half in process.
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