Japan stepped up the pace to defeat China 2-1 in Group A of the 8th Men’s Junior Asia Cup at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium yesterday.
The Japanese, who lost to India in the tournament’s opening match on Saturday, clawed back from a Lixing Su 12th minute field goal to strike twice after the breather. Shunya Miyazaki (49th) and Shota Yamada (52nd) penalty corner goals sealed victory it for Japan.
It is China’s second defeat in the tournament and are likely to finish at the bottom of the table should they lose to the strong Indian side on Tuesday in the last preliminary round match.