After Japan defeat, Pakistan set India date for bronze medal match

Men in Green lose semi-final 1-0, after Malaysia enter final with 7-6 shootout win

Pakistan would be disappointed to lose their semi-final match 1-0 against Japan on Thursday but hockey fans would have a smile on their faces as the Men in Green will now face India in the bronze medal match at the ongoing Asian Games.

Pakistan came into the semi-final on the back of five strong wins in their pool B matches where they scored frivolously against opponents like Thailand, Oman, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

In total, Pakistan scored 45 goals and conceded only one, against Malaysia, during their pool match.

However, on Thursday, Japan made sure they blocked all attempts made by Pakistan to complete their moves.

Field goals were met with rock-solid defence, penalty corners were defended with uncanny grit and in the meanwhile, Japan also created a chance for themselves to score a goal when they were awarded a penalty corner in the second quarter.

Malaysia beat India to qualify for Asian Games hockey final

Earlier in the other semi-final, Malaysia surprised India to win 7-6 on penalty shootout after the score was tied 2-2 on full-time.

The final of the event will now take place between Japan and Malaysia on September 1.