Japan played their best match of the tournament, but it was not enough. Australia won with 4-2 (0-0, 3-0, 1-2) after several saves from Australian goalkeeper Mitchell George.

Australia almost got a place in the play-offs and Japan lost all their matches in their group. That is maybe why it was a surprise that the Japanese team was hottest during the first period. Mitchell George had severeal nice saves to stop Japan from taking the lead. Australia's best chance, even though they were in control of the ball for the most part, was a shot at crossbar.

In the second period Australia took over more and more. Jonathon Veron also scored 1-0 early on his own rebound. Later Petr Prazan and Gavin Staindl increased the score to 3-0. Japan, however, continued to create dangerous chances and deserved a goal.

Japan did not have the strenght to put in the necessary effort for the last period, but continued to create dangerous counter attacks. Australia however controlled the game and Timothy Boteler, the team's biggest scorer, scored 4-0 on his own. Japan, who scored in all their previous matches, played their best match in the tournament and finally got in both one and two goals behind talented Mitchell George, and made the last minutes exciting. Australia kept their lead and won with 4-2. 

Full match statistics here.

Photo: Anna Andersson.