Goals from Gurjit Kaur (7th, 9th minutes), Navjot Kaur (9th) and Lalremsiami (38th) ensured India’s entry into Sunday’s final where it will face China.
India had earlier defeated an unpredictable China 4-1 in the league stage of the tournament.
Against Japan, the Indians got off to a rollicking start by earning back-to-back penalty corners to put pressure on the host nation.
India opened the scorecard with Kaur’s strike in the 7th minute of the match. From thereon, the women in blue took control and did not let the advantage slip out of their hand.
India opened the scorecard with Kaur’s strike in the 7th minute of the match. From thereon, the women in blue took control and did not let the advantage slip out of their hand.
India won a penalty corner and Gurjit was yet again on target as she gave India a commanding 3-0 in no time.
India won another penalty corner in the first quarter but this time Tanaka made a fine save.
While the first 15 minutes belonged to India, the defending champion made a strong comeback in the second quarter.
Japan unleashed a well coordinated attack on the Indian defence and found space for Shiho Tsujii to score past Indian custodian Savita in the 17th minute.
The final 15 minutes of the match continued to remain tense as Japan won two penalty corners but Savita stood like a rock in front of the goal to deny the host.