India beat Japan 5-1 in Asia Cup opener

In their first tournament under a new coach, India meant business and found the net in each quarter, twice in the third, to streamroll their less-fancied but tricky opponents.

SV Sunil (3rd minute), Lalit Upadhyay (22nd), Ramandeep Singh (33rd) and Harmanpreet Singh (35th and 48th) were on target. Japan's lone goal came through Kenji Kitazato's stick in the 4th minute.

World No 6 India did not look rusty under their new coach, Marijne Sjoerd, who took charge of the team just last month following the sudden sacking of Roelant Oltmans.

India were quick to get off the blocks when Sunil, after a fine one-two with Akashdeep Singh, pushed the ball in an open net. But India's joy was shortlived as Japan struck in the next minute through Kitazato's field strike.

The Indians completely dominated the proceedings and exploited every single bit of space given by the Japanese.

They utilised both the wings to perfection to set up their attacks. India got their first of their four penalty corners in the 21st minute but Harmanpreet's flick didn't have enough power to trouble the Japanese citadel.

An inch perfect scoop from Harmanpreet from the halfway mark found Lalit inside the D and the striker slotted home with a reverse shot after brilliantly controlling the ball.