With both teams beginning the game cautiously, The Speedy Tigers opened the scoring at the end of the first quarter through a field goal by Shello Silverius in the 15th minute.

Malaysia dominated the match and launched several attempts in the second quarter but were denied by Japanese goalkeeper Koji Yamasaki.

Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi doubled the lead in the 30th minute while Razie Rahim’s penalty corner in the 35th minute made it 3-0.

Brimming with confidence, A Arul Selvaraj’s charges made it 4-0 soon after through Syafiq Hassan’s field goal, while Ashran Hamsani put the icing on the cake with the fifth goal in the 42nd minute.

Speaking to reporters after the match, captain Marhan Jalil said they played their best match at the tournament and remain focused enough to stop Japan from scoring.

“Preparations for the final have started with today’s match. Tomorrow, we will do our best to win,” he said.

Arul Selvaraj praised his players for beating Japan, who are also the 2018 Asian Games gold medallists.

“The players prepare for each and every match, I just give them guidance. I believe if we empower them, they will emerge stronger,” he said, adding that the team could take a brief moment to celebrate the victory today before returning to the pitch tomorrow with a chance to make history.

In the final, Malaysia will meet either India or South Korea who play in the Super 4 today, while Japan will play in the third-placed match.