The SOMPO Cup, taking place in Osaka Japan, has reached its end, with Japan’s Women Hockey Team putting up yet another stellar performance to win the 4 nation tournament. Besides Japan, the teams taking part in the Cup were Korea, Australia and the United States.
The final was played between Australia and recently crowned Asian Games Gold Medalists Japan who won a thrilling final by 2 goals to 1. Australia took the lead in the first quarter, through some good play. However, Japan bounced back strongly netting a goal to equalize in the first half, and then later on taking the lead before Half Time to take them up by 2-1. They managed to successfully fend off opposing attacks and were crowned victors after the full-time whistle.
Japan hockey’s victory in the final was inspired from a good run in the tournament. After having lost the opener to Australia by 2 – 0, they bounced back beating the United States by a 3 goal margin. Facing their Asian neighbors Korea, Japan put up a professional display, winning the match and qualifying for the final.
Another Asian giant Korea were also taking part in the competition. The Korean side played some inspirational hockey as they toughened up to Australia, ranked 3rd in the world as well as the United States, ranked 12th. Their performance would lay positive groundwork for future events. The SOMPO Cup proved to be an excellent platform for the Asian sides to give the world’s finest a run for their money.
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