China Vs Japan Highlights, Hockey Asia Cup 2025: CHN Hold JPN 2-2 To Seal Super 4s Spot

Good Evening, hockey fans! It’s a hot day as usual in Rajgir as the Chinese men will take the field against Japan. It’s world No. 22 versus world No. 18 out today, with China very much the favourites to win considering their head-to-head records. However, hockey is as unpredictable as it can be, so stay tuned for pre-match updates and lineups as they are released.

Asia Cup 2025 Hockey Broadcast: All matches will be shown on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live via the SonyLiv app and website.

Players are lining up for the national anthems! The tension is electric here at the stadium as China and Japan face off in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025. Fans are on the edge of their seats, flags waving, chants echoing, and a special moment tonight as this marks the 100th match for Kaito Tanaka. We are just moments away from the first whistle.

National anthems underway. Japan leads the way, voices strong and proud, followed by China, filling the stadium with electric energy. The stands are packed, what a fantastic sight for hockey fans everywhere. The atmosphere is buzzing, and we’re just moments away from the clash kicking off.

And we’re off! The first whistle blows and the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 clash between China and Japan is officially underway. The stadium erupts as both teams rush into action, this is going to be one electrifying encounter.

The opening minutes are a bit cagey, nothing too dramatic yet. Both teams are testing the waters, probing for weaknesses. Japan’s players just sent a long aerial pass that had everyone on their toes, but it fizzled out before turning into a real chance. Still early days, but the tension is building.

China breaks the deadlock at 06:47. A brilliant penetration into the circle, a clean strike on goal, and it’s in, China lead! The stadium erupts as their players celebrate, and Japan now have some chasing to do. What a start to this clash.

China lead Japan as the first quarter wraps up. Both teams had moments, but it’s China who struck first and hold the advantage going into the next quarter. The intensity is only going to ramp up from here.

Quarter 2 is underway! Japan are trailing and pushing hard, looking to find that equalizer. The pressure is on as they probe China’s defense, searching for openings and trying to turn the game around.

Penalty corner for China, and they go for a body shot, but Japan’s defense stands tall, blocking the attempt and keeping the scoreline intact.

China are sticking close with player-to-player marking, tightening the space and making it tough for Japan to build any meaningful attacks. Their defensive discipline is really slowing Japan’s momentum.

Xiaojia Zhang puts China two goals ahead at 24:33. Japan now have a mountain to climb, while China look confident and in control as the second quarter continues.

Japan pull one back! Kazumasa Matsumoto scores at 2-1, narrowing China’s lead and igniting a surge of energy in their play. The Japanese players are moving faster, pressing harder, and testing China’s defense at every opportunity. The momentum is shifting, and China will need to stay sharp to protect their lead.

The first half comes to a close with China leading Japan 2-1. It’s been a tightly contested affair, with China taking advantage early and Japan clawing back to stay in the game. Both teams will regroup and strategize during the break, plenty more action to come in the second half.

The second half is underway, and Japan are off to a flying start with a penalty corner. They’re looking to capitalize early and level the score, China’s defense will have to be at their sharpest to withstand the pressure.

The game is starting to mirror the first half, with China holding firm on possession. They’re controlling the tempo and keeping Japan pinned back, making it difficult for the Japanese to create clear chances.

Japan are pressing hard, trying to break through with quick one-two passes and clever movement, but China’s defense remains solid, blocking every attempt and refusing to give an inch.

The third quarter ends with China still leading Japan 2-1. China have managed to hold onto their advantage, while Japan will need to step up in the final quarter to find that crucial equalizer.

The fourth quarter is underway. China hold a narrow 2-1 lead, and Japan are pushing hard, desperate to find that equalizer. The tension is high as both teams battle it out in the final stretch.

And Japan are back on level terms! Kazumasa Matsumoto scores again at 50:02, bringing it to 2-2. The crowd is roaring as Japan show incredible determination to claw their way back into the match. This game is wide open with 10 minutes still to go.

Japan make a bold move, pulling their goalie and bringing on an extra attacker. They know every second counts, pushing hard to snatch the lead before the final whistle. The tension is electric, and this match could go down to the wire.

Full time! China and Japan finish 2-2 in a nail-biting encounter. China’s early dominance with goals from Xiaojia Zhang gave them the edge, but Japan fought back fiercely, with Kazumasa Matsumoto scoring a brace to keep their hopes alive. Despite their late surge, Japan couldn’t find the winner, meaning China progress into the Super 4s.

Japan, having shown incredible fight and skill, will now turn their focus to the classification matches.

That’s a wrap from this clash. You can now switch over and follow our India vs Kazakhstan live blog for all the action. For now, bye bye, take care.