On Tuesday, September 17, the Indian squad defeated a resolute China 1-0 to win their fifth Asian Champions trophy crown. China made the reigning champions fight hard to win in the end, but in the 51st minute, Jugraj Singh scored the game-winning goal to enable India prevail. In the first encounter of the tournament, India and China faced off, with the former coming out on top 3-0. The hosts weren’t prepared to give up without a fight, even though Harmanpreet Singh and company were the clear favorites going into the match.
China attempted to exert pressure on the Indian defense early in the encounter. This was made clear in the opening match between these two sides, as China attempted to break India on the counter.
The first meaningful opportunity for India came early in the first quarter when Sukhjeet attempted a cheeky shot that was well-stopped by the Chinese goalie.
The Chinese defense expertly repelled India’s first computer attempt in the ninth minute. India would receive another one, and Harmanpreet would miss the mark somewhat this time. China outperformed the other team at the end of the quarter, forcing Krishan Pathak into a few penalty corners.
For the most part, the second quarter was reserved since China had parked the bus so that India couldn’t pass them. In the 27th minute, Harmanpreet capitalized on a misplaced PC to give India a great opportunity, but the ball deflected off the post. Soon after Wang had eliminated Manpreet Singh, India was awarded a penalty shot.
But after reviewing it, China was able to get the ruling in their favor, and the game ended 0-0 at the half.
India would mount many strong attacks into the Chinese D in the third quarter, but the Chinese defense would not give up. A few PCs would eventually reach China, but the Indian defense was able to repel them.
In the 41st minute, Pathak would come to the rescue by stopping a strong PC effort. In the last five minutes, India would apply more pressure when Hundal entered the D, but his shot was wide.
As the game entered the fourth quarter with everything on the line, China resisted the pressure from India.