Asian Champions Trophy 2018: India vs Japan, Live Match Updates

Navneet Kaur was unstoppable and scored a memorable hattrick. India will now look to carry the good form ahead in the tournament when they face mighty China. For now, it's goodbye from us. A reminder of the final score. INDIA 4 - JAPAN 1

Aki Yamada scored a goal for Japan but it was India all the way in their first encounter of the Asian Champions Trophy. The defending champions dominated the Japanese from the opening whistle and displayed great speed and skill. The defence was solid as well. Joy for the Indian girls! Joy for Sjoerd Marijne! India could easily have scored a couple of more goals, such was their class today.

FINAL SCORE: INDIA 4 - JAPAN 1

58' Anthony Farry's side pull one back, but India sitting pretty with a three-goal lead with just over a minute to go.

57' Japan find a consolation goal off a quick counter. For once, the Indian defence is beaten. INDIA 4 - JAPAN 1

INDIA 4 - JAPAN 0

THEY DO INDEEED!!!!!!!!!!!!! HATTRICK FOR NAVNEET KAUR!!

55' The Indians continue to attack. Can they find a fourth goal as well?

ANUPA BARLA SEALS THE DEAL FOR INDIA!!! INDIA 3 - JAPAN 0

Swift counter-attack by the Indian girls. Thay have a third goal and are ALMOST certain now of earning full points.

52' They DO enter the circle and DO manage to get a shot in. BUT INDIA HAVE THE GOAL OFF A COUNTER!!!!

51' It has started to drizzle yet again. Japan trying everything they can to find a way into the Indian circle.

48' Great chance for India yet again. Navneet is the architect yet again.

47' Dark clouds hanging over the stadium in Donghae. The Indians will hope there are no more rain delays.

46' Japan start the final quarter with a streak of aggression. Can they score?

India should have scored at least one if not two goals given the kind of chances they had and sealed the deal. Can they hang on or increase the tally in the final 15 minutes?

END OF THE THIRD QUARTER: INDIA 2 - JAPAN 0

The shot is wide off the target yet again. India still ahead by two goals.

43' Obstruction by Gurjit. PC again for Japan.

No problems for India as the shot is wide.

42' PC for Japan!!

40' India miss a sitter. The Indian girls look like scoring any minute as the Japanese defenders are unable to stop the flow of attacks.

38' India continuing to attack. Can they find a third goal?

36' GREAT CHANCE FOR INDIA!!! The shot is just wide!

35' Japan press hard. In the Indian circle, but Sunita Lakra is as solid as ever. India have been calm and disciplined in defence.

The players are back on the pitch!!! HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!

The players taking a breather. Sjoerd Marijne looks relaxed as do the Indian girls.

We are awaiting updates as the rain has reduced in intensity.

India ALMOST had a third goal but Gurjit's powerful hit struck the post.

PLAY HAS BEEN SUSPENDED AS THE RAIN HAS RESULTED IN A WET AND UNPLAYABLE PITCH

OOOPS!!! The ball hits the crossbar and ricochets over the post.

Yet another PC for India

32' India into the attack yet again. PC for India as ball hits a Japanese foot.

India scored a peach of a goal with Vandana weaving her way through the Japanese defence and almost toying with the Japanese defenders before directing a pass to Navneet who took her time to take the shot but still beat the Japanese goalie.

The rain is pelting down in Donghae. Can India continue to play fast and attacking hockey on a wet pitch?

Unlike in the Commonwealth Games where the Indians girls started slowly and took their time to settle in, they attacked from the opening minute today and displayed great intent. The Indian strikers created several chances and the defence has held firm. Overall, some great hockey on display by the Indians but they have another half to go and will need to keep the momentum up.

HALF TIME: INDIA 2 - JAPAN 0

29' Great chance for India yet again!!! India look ominous in attack.

28' PC wasted by Japan as ball not stopped properly. India move ahead cautiously.

Yet another PC for Japan!!!

27' PC for Japan. Can India hold firm???

Great move by Vandana and Navneet. India double their lead.

NAVNEET KAUR SCORES!!!!

INDIA 2 - JAPAN 0

24' India have looked the better side without doubt. The Indian girls dominating possession and launching some great attacks. GOALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

22' The Japanese girls enter the Indian circle. Ball cleared out of harm's way.

20' The Indian strikers lurking outside the Japanese 25-yard line waiting for some good passes to come in. Great skill by India in the midfield

18' Japan trying to manufacture moves but unable to get past the Indian midfield. India look fast and fluent, the intent is clear.

16' India playing a fast attacking game, not content to lie back.

Navneet Kaur scored for India in the 7th minute. Can the Indians maintain the tempo?