Serbia continued round one for Group A at the 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship by taking their first set of two points thanks to a narrow victory over Japan, secured only in the last two minutes. The encounter was largely equal before Serbia’s thrilling finish.

 

GROUP A
Serbia vs Japan 21:19 (9:9)

 

After a completely equal first half, Serbia survived something of a scare that saw Japan move in front by three goals. In the end, it was the entrance of Andrej Trnavac that proved the key to Serbia’s win, as the goalkeeper saved at an incredible 45%. It was his save in the final minute, with Serbia in front by two, that secured the European side the two points.

 

It was a low-scoring match headlined by the goalkeepers. In attack and defence, the teams were fairly evenly matched, as Serbia did a good job of containing the traditionally fast-paced game favoured by Asian sides. Japan goalkeeper Hikaru Nakamura finished the match with six saves at 42% – he was outshone only by Trnavac.

 

With the solid defence, it took three minutes for the first goal of the game to be scored. After Serbia took a narrow upper hand, Japan fought back to level. Serbia threatened to pull away more than once as half-time approached, leading 8:5 in the 25th minute, but the last three goals of the half drew Japan level in time for the break.

 

Japan were stronger early in the second half, creating a 14:11 advantage in the 38th minute – and that was the moment Serbia coach Boris Rojevic made the match-deciding change. Trnavac came in to replace Todor Jandric and made several important saves.

 

However, with just five minutes left on the clock, still nothing was decided as the match was level at 18:18. Though Trnavac certainly deserves credit for securing the victory with his save in the last 60 seconds, Japan had some bad luck in the final five minutes, missing two important chances that left the door open for Serbia to take the two points.

 

Player of the match: Hikaru Nakamura, Japan