KUALA LUMPUR - Great Britain completed their International Friendly Series this morning on a high when they beat Japan 2-1 at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium.
With Great Britain pushing hard right from the onset, Japan had to be on the defensive with goalkeeper Yusuke Takano tested early when he blocked the first penalty corner in the fifth minute.
But four minutes later, there was no denying Great Britain when Takano failed to stop a low shot from Adam Dixon.
Japan pushed forward looking for the equaliser but it was Great Britain who came the closest to sounding the backboard but James Gall was just a tad off for the final finish.
After some exchanges, Japan finally earned their first penalty corner game in the 28th minute and the ever-reliable Hirotaka Zendana did not disappoint when he fired home a grounder to restore parity.
But the equaliser lasted less than a minute as Liam Ansell smashed in a field goal.
The change of Takashi Yoshikawa in goal gave the Japanese backline greater confidence against Great Britain’s relentless assault.
Japan continued to push forward but after coming close several times, a penalty corner right at the end failed to change the final scoreline as Great Britain finished the series with a win. - Malaysian Hockey Federation. April 24, 2021
