Asian Champions Trophy: India favourites against Japan in semis

India players celebrate a goal against Japan on Sunday. Pic/AFP

Back to their best after a slow start, defending champions and Olympic bronze-medallist India would start as overwhelming favourites against Asian Games gold winner Japan in the semi-final of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Tuesday.

The Manpreet Singh-led side's confidence must be sky high as they had thrashed Japan 6-0 in their last round-robin match and come Tuesday, India would fancy another big win en route to the title clash. Having said that, India will need to guard against complacency as any slip-up could spoil all their hard work.

India ended the round-robin stage of the five-nation tournament at the top of the standings with 10 points, ahead of Korea (6), Japan (5), Pakistan (5) and hosts Bangladesh (0). Vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh has been a revelation not just at the back but from penalty corners as well, converting two against Japan on Sunday. And, he definitely will pose a big threat for the Japanese.

The Indian midfield is also being held together brilliantly by skipper Manpreet and Hardik Singh. The forwardline of Dilpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Akashjdeep Singh and Shamsher Singh too has shone bright so far, scoring some fine field goals.

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