Japan opened their main round campaign with a convincing 27:21 win over Switzerland, imposing their rhythm throughout the match and withstanding every Swiss attempt to turn the tide.

Main Round, Group I
Japan vs Switzerland 27:21 (13:10)

Switzerland had emptied the tank against Hungary and it showed in the first half against Japan. They lacked concentration and energy, committing a series of easy turnovers in the opening 20 minutes. The start was slow on both sides, with only three goals scored each in the first 10 minutes and Tabea Schmid the lone Swiss scorer.

However, once the turnovers piled up and Switzerland’s defence failed to contain Japan’s centre back and hummel Player of the Match Natsuki Aizawa, the gap widened. Trailing by three, coach Knut Ove Joa was forced into an early time-out. Even so, Switzerland could not find their rhythm and, despite the brief pause, went goalless for five minutes, a stretch during which Japan reached their biggest lead of the match at 12:6.

Switzerland finally woke up as the half entered its final five minutes, narrowing the gap to three and carrying that margin into the break. Early in the second half they cut it to 13:11, but the momentum did not last. Japan quickly restored their five-goal lead, putting constant pressure on the Swiss side, who knew the implications of dropping two points in this game.

Switzerland tried to change things with a more aggressive defensive approach, and whenever they succeeded and scored from fast breaks, cutting the gap to just one (17:16), Japan immediately adapted and reimposed their rhythm again, almost without breaking a sweat.

Japan then produced another run and entered the last ten minutes up 23:17, making the win all but assured. Not even the saves of Lea Schüpbach, who finished with 35% efficiency, were enough to keep Switzerland in the game.

The Asian side overcame the debutants through experience and an energetic attack, earning their second victory at Germany/Netherlands 2025 and shaking up the standings. Both Japan and Switzerland now sit on two points in what is shaping up to be an almost impossible battle for the quarter-finals.

In the next round, Japan face Hungary, while Switzerland brace for another tough challenge against Denmark.

hummel Player of the Match: Natsuki Aizawa (Japan)