India vs Japan Hockey Semi-Final Live Score, Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India Presses for Goal but No Breakthrough, IND 0-0 JPN at Half-Time

India vs Japan Semi-Final Live Score, Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India is set to take on Japan in the semi-final of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir. The match started on Tuesday with India, the defending champions, entering the game unbeaten with five consecutive victories.

India has been dominant throughout the tournament, with a perfect record, including a comprehensive 3-0 win over Japan in their final league game. The team, led by Salima Tete, has been in impressive form, but Japan, despite their loss in the league stage, remains a tough opponent.

India's Form & Key Players

India's strength lies in its consistent attacking and solid defense. Deepika, India's top scorer with 10 goals, has been instrumental in leading the offense. On the defensive end, Udita, Sushila Chanu, Ishika Chaudhary, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke have been pivotal, ensuring that goalkeepers Savita Punia and Bichu Devi Karibam have faced minimal pressure. India's defense has been near-impenetrable, but the knockout stage brings higher stakes and increased pressure.

Live Updates from the India vs Japan Match

17:32 IST (Q2): India 0-0 Japan – India wins another penalty corner, but despite a change in angles and an attempt by Deepika, Japan's defense holds strong.

17:30 IST (Q2): Saved, Kudo! – Japan's goalkeeper Yu Kudo makes another crucial save, denying Deepika’s powerful drag flick.

17:29 IST (Q2): India launches a quick counter-attack with Siami’s swift play on the left, resulting in a penalty corner after a successful review.

17:27 IST (Q2): Green Card for Preeti – Preeti receives a green card, leaving India temporarily down to 10 players. Japan capitalizes with a rare circle entry but is unable to convert.

17:25 IST (Q2): Unbelievable Save from Kudo – Deepika’s low powerful drag flick is stunningly saved by Kudo, who stretches her foot to prevent what seemed like a certain goal.

17:23 IST (Q2): India sits back and allows Japan some possession, but they are ready to capitalize on any mistakes, with Sharmila winning the ball back and triggering another penalty corner.

17:20 IST (Q2): Another penalty corner for India after good buildup play. However, the attack is thwarted as the Japanese defense remains resolute.

17:18 IST (Q2): Penalty Corner for India – Sharmila earns India another penalty corner after a brilliant run down the right flank, but the attempt is easily saved by Kudo.

Tense First Quarter

17:14 IST (Q1): The first quarter ended with India continuing to press the attack, creating several chances but failing to find the back of the net. Despite dominating possession and generating penalty corners, the team could not break through Japan’s resilient defense led by Kudo.

17:11 IST (Q1): India wins a penalty corner in quick succession after a close attempt from Navneet. Deepika’s drag flick is saved by Kudo, but India looks promising.

As the first half draws to a close, India 0-0 Japan is still the score, with both teams continuing to test each other’s defenses. India's attack has been relentless, but Japan's goalkeeper and defensive structures have kept them at bay.

A Challenging Battle Ahead

This semi-final match-up is a repeat of last year's final and promises to be an exciting contest. India’s high-pressure approach and fitness will be crucial in the second half, as Coach Harendra Singh has emphasized staying calm and executing the right tactics under pressure.

The stage is set for an intense second half as India looks to break the deadlock and advance to the final.