India vs Japan in Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024: Player ratings from hosts' hard-earned 2-0 win in semifinal
The Indian women's team defeated a tenacious Japan side 2-0 to book their spot in the final of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 on Tuesday, November 19. Goals from Navneet Kaur (48') and Lalremsiami (56') ensured that the home team eventually managed to break through the resilient and dogged defense of their opponents.
For the most part, it was a very frustrating game for the Indian team as they made innumerable incursions into the circle and earned as many as 12 penalty corners, but without success. It was in the third quarter that the Salima Tete-led team finally took the lead thanks to a penalty stroke.
The Japanese team hardly mounted any dangerous attacks against India but did earn a penalty corner in the dying stages of the match. Once that was stoutly defended and nullified by India, the result of the match was in no doubt.
India will now face the Olympic silver medalists China in the final of the tournament on Wednesday.
Let's look at the player ratings for the Indian team from their semifinal triumph over Japan.
Player ratings for India from their semifinal vs. Japan in Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024
Sharmila Devi - 7/10
Sharmila played an active role today and was seen all over the field. She helped out the defense as well and made some useful runs towards the circle.
Bichu Devi Kharibam - 7/10
As has been the pattern in this tournament, Indian goalkeepers have had nothing to very little to do due to the dominance of their team. Once again, with Japan completely on the defensive for almost the entirety of the game, the goalkeepers were left in complete serenity.
However, Bichu Devi made one crucial save when she blocked a penalty corner that Japan got in the last few minutes of the contest.
Savita - N/A
The former India captain was left in peace for both the quarters that she manned the goalpost in.
Sangita Kumari - 6.5/10
Sangita did play a leading role in the forward line and also created some opportunities. However, she failed to convert the many chances that came India's way and was part of a forward line that was far from perfect in finishing.
Udita - 7.5/10
Udita was again very dynamic on the field and apart from her defensive duties, also played a key role in the midfield.
Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke - 6/10
Due to India's dominance, Vaishnavi and her fellow defenders didn't have much to do. It was only in the final stages of the match that they needed to be alert, something they did well.
Lalremsiami - 8/10
Once again, Lalremsiami was superb for India with her play. She has fallen back into the midfield and has become a very creative player for India there. She scored the only field goal for India today, something which India's forwards failed to do. The goal was a good example of astute play from her.
Jyoti - 6/10
Like Vaishnavi, Jyoti didn't have much work today due to India's dominance.
Navneet Kaur - 7/10
The veteran India forward played her role well and also converted the penalty stroke that broke India's goal drought in the match.
Sushila Chanu - 7/10
Though she didn't feature too much in the game, due to the contest being dominated by India's forwards and midfield, Sushila was good whenever she was required to step up in defense.
Sunelita Toppo - 8/10
The teenage prodigy once again showed her amazing skills in this contest. India's second goal was created by her with a brilliant run from the right-hand side, into the circle. She gave a clever cross to Lalremsiami which was put into the goalpost.
Salima Tete - 7.5/10
Salima also played well and showed her brilliant running ability in this match too.
Neha - 8/10
Neha was an all-rounder today. She helped out the defense, kept the midfield fluid, and also launched some dangerous attacks. It was another example of how crucial a member of this team she has become.
Preeti Dubey - 6/10
Preeti wasn't as prominent in today's game as she ought to have been. She also earned a green card which was a disadvantage for her team.
Manisha Chauhan - 6/10
Manisha too wasn't very prominent in this match.
Ishika Chaudhary - 6/10
Like other defenders, Ishika didn't have much to do today.
Beauty Dungdung - 6.5/10
Beauty made some impressive runs in the match. However, she needed to do more to ensure that India capitalized on their chances.
Deepika - 6.5/10
It was a mixed game for India's goal-scoring machine today. She was part of the forward line that wasted a ton of opportunities. On an individual level though, she did have some good moments.