Japan beat Pakistan to win Males’s U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2025 title on the Dazhou Nationwide Hockey Coaching Centre in Dazhou on July 13, 2025. — Asian Hockey Federation
DAZHOU: Japan defeated Pakistan 3-0 to assert the Males’s U18 Asia Cup 2025 title on the Nationwide Hockey Coaching Centre on Sunday.
The Japanese aspect remained unbeaten all through the match, showcasing dominance and composure, whereas Pakistan’s profitable streak got here to an finish with a goalless efficiency within the ultimate.
Pakistan started the match with aggressive intent, instantly urgent ahead to problem the Japanese protection in the hunt for an early breakthrough.
Regardless of each groups attacking with depth, the opening quarter remained goalless as neither aspect might discover the web.
Within the second quarter, Japan broke the impasse within the seventh minute via Yuma Fujiwara, who scored the opening objective to offer his aspect a vital lead and put Pakistan below stress. At halftime, Japan led 1-0.
The third quarter noticed Pakistan create a number of alternatives to stage the rating.
They earned a penalty nook throughout the first minute, however a superb save by the Japanese goalkeeper denied them. Moments later, one other penalty nook went unconverted, as Pakistan struggled to capitalise on key moments.
Japan then doubled their lead with one other a medical objective from Fujiwara, making it 2-0 and additional tightening their grip on the match. Regardless of incomes a 3rd penalty nook, Pakistan failed as soon as once more.
Within the ultimate moments of the quarter, they had been awarded a fourth penalty nook however couldn’t break via the Japanese protection.
Heading into the ultimate quarter trailing 2-0, Pakistan wanted a robust comeback, however Japan remained resolute.
Within the closing minutes, skipper Tatsuaki Yasui prolonged Japan’s result in 3-0 with a well-executed penalty nook, sealing the victory and the title.
Earlier within the match, Pakistan showcased spectacular kind. They started their marketing campaign with a powerful 8-0 win over Hong Kong, adopted by a dominant 9-0 victory towards Sri Lanka.
Of their third match, they defeated Bangladesh 6-3, just about securing a spot within the semifinals.
Within the quarterfinals, Pakistan outclassed China 2-1 with a commanding efficiency to e book their spot within the ultimate 4.
Pakistan continued their exceptional run, clinching a nail-biting 4-3 victory over Malaysia in a dramatic semifinal determined by a penalty shootout.
The high-stakes conflict had ended 3-3 in regulation time, forcing the competition right into a tense shootout.