JAPAN began their journey in style in the 14th edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup International Hockey Tournament as they thrashed Canada 8-1 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Saturday (17th Oct).
The score at the end of the first quarter was 1-0, followed by 5-0 at the end of the second quarter. By the end of the match Japan locked a comfortable big victory.
The Canadians, who arrived here hoping to create history in their debut tried their very best to hold back the Japanese attacking machinery. Every of their efforts were quickly dismantle by the defence machinery.
Shota Hanayama (15th), Yuto Higuchi (16th, PC), Seia Yamada (22nd), Ninomiya Rei (28th) and Chihiro Furusawa (25th) scored goals in the first session at the interval. Both teams had a total of four penalty corners at the end of the third quarter.
Yuto was presented with the Man of the Match award.
Shogo Sasaki also celebrated his goal in the 46th minute as the Japanese extended their lead to 6-0. The Canadians, who have qualified for the 2027 World Cup and left bruising in three quarters of the match tonight, scored a consolation goal through Kale Simonson in the 51st minute via a field goal.
But the goals did not stop there. Matsuki Mori (56th), and Ryosuke Shinohara (57th) continued the damage with a goal each as Japan went home celebrating an 8-1 victory.
Following this big victory, the Japanese showed themselves to be tournament contenders. The Malaysians await them in their next match on Tuesday (7.35pm).
