Pakistan vs Japan Hockey Highlights, Asian Games 2023: PAK 2-3 JPN - Pakistan eliminated from Asian Games Medal Race

Pakistan vs Japan Live Upates

Pakistan failed to score a solitary goal in the second half. Credit has to be given to Japan for their defending, but Pakistan were an absolute disappointment in the final half of the match.

Full Time: Pakistan 2 Japan 3

The hooter blows and it is all over for Pakistan in terms of medals in the Asian Games 2023. Pakistan are out of the medal race and have finished 3rd in Pool A after their 2-3 defeat against Japan. The Blue Samurai are now through to the semifinals.

Muhammad Khan Sufyan gets a Yellow Card.

PAK 2 JPN 3 (59')

Pakistan will be extremely disappointed with this performance. Yes, Japan have been one of the teams against whom they have struggled recently, but in a do-or-die match, the approach from the Pakistani players has to be questioned.

Japan are defending with their lives in this match. But they may well be confident now to make it through to the semifinals. We have just a couple minutes remaining in it.

PAK 2 JPN 3 (57')

Less than four minutes in it, and Pakistan will have to find two goals to keep their Asian Games medal hopes alive.

Pakistan vs Japan Live Score

If Japan win this match, they will go through as the Pool A runners up. Meanwhile, we have a halt in play due to a foul by a Pakistani player.

Pakistan vs Japan Live Score

We are halfway into the 4th quarter. The game has been a cagey one. We haven't seen many Penalty corners at all in it, 3 for each team.

Japan vs Pakistan Live Score

All of the players in the Pakistan squad except goalkeeper Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan has been on the field today.

Pakistan vs Japan Live Score

10 minutes till the end of this match. Pakistan have lacked cohesion and a lack of circle entry so far in this quarter. Pakistan players are also looking a bit fatigued.

PAK 2 JPN 3 (48')

Pakistan have a goal difference of +22, compared to Japan's +26 - hence a draw won't be enough for Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals.

PAK 2 JPN 3 (46')

The fourth and final quarter starts. It is all or nothing for Pakistan, who will have to grind out something positive in this match. If Pakistan lose, they will be eliminated from Asian Games 2023.

3rd Quarter Ends - PAK 2 JPN 3

The quarter ends goalless, which means Pakistan still trail by a goal. At the end of the 3rd quarter, it is Japan who have their noses in front. Fifteen minutes for Sufyan and co. to conjure something. Pakistan have failed to make anything in this quarter despite dominating and winning two penalty corners.

Pakistan 2 Japan 3 (43')

Two minutes go in this quarter. Pakistan have made rolling substitutions in this entire quarter but nothing has been fruitful for them.

PAK 2 JPN 3 (41')

Around 5 minutes to go in this quarter. We have seen Japan being trembled in defense but Pakistan's lacklustre finish has let them down.

PAK 2 JPN 3 (37')

Halfway through the third quarter and Japan are still leading with a goal advantage. Arshad Liaqat has failed to make any telling impact since scoring the opening goal of the match.

Green Card for Nagai

A Green Card has been shown to Yuma Nagai, which means Japan will be down to 10-man for the next two minutes.

Pakistan vs Japan Hockey Live Score: PAK 2 JPN 3

34 minutes have passed off this match. It is a lively start from the Pakistani boys but we are yet to see the goal.

Milestone for Fukuda

Kentaro Fukuda scored his 27th international goal in his 100th appearance for Japan. This is also his 3rd goal against Japan in 8 matches.

PAK 2 JPN 3 (33')

Thee minutes gone in the third quarter and Pakistan are yet to find a source of inspiration. Umar Bhutta and co. are looking a much improved outfit, but they will have to find the elusive goal.

3rd Quarter Starts

The 2nd half has started. Pakistan have a huge task ahead in it.

India rout Bangladesh 12-0

India have routed Bangladesh 12-0 in an earlier match. The Men in Blue have sealed their berth for the semifinals.

Where Pakistan need to improve?

Defense! They have a superb offensive unit with the likes of Sufyan, Rana, Liaqat and others, but their defense has been the Achilles heel. They will have to be more proactive and defend as a unit in the 2nd half.

Half Time: Pakistan 2 Japan 3

It is Half Time in Hangzhou and we have had an enthralling half. Five goals have been scored and Japan are leading by the odd one. It has been a see-saw battle but the Blue Samurai will head into the break with the slendermost of advantages.

Pakistan have made an instant comeback in this tie, but they still are trailing. Japan will be kicking themselves for allowing the Pakistanis back in the tie so close to half time.

Goal for Pakistan

Goaaaal!! Pakistan have got one back in a flash. Arbaaz Ahmad makes it 2-3 for them.

Goal for Japan

Goaaal!! Raiki Fujishima has made it 3-1 for Japan. Again the Pakistani team crumbles from a penalty corner and Fujisjima punishes them with a terrifically executed penalty corner.

PAK 1 JPN 2 (28')

Japan are still holding on to a lead. Pakistan managed a 3-3 draw in the last meeting between these two teams.

PAK 1 JPN 2 (27')

Three and half minutes to go before half time and it is Japan with the slender lead here. Seren Tanaka, Masaki Ohashi have been gladiators in the Japan side and they have defended as a unit since conceding the first goal.

Pakistan struggling to capitalize

Pakistan are creating chances but they are struggling in front of goal. The Pakistan coach won't be happy with this. They have had issues with finishing even in the most-recent Asian Champions Trophy.