Japan put up a brave fight against their European hosts Spain but fell short in the last moments as the home nation moved up to eight points in preliminary group A – the same as Slovenia who they face tomorrow in the now group-winning decider.

GROUP A
Spain vs Japan 28:22 (13:11)

Host nation Spain were made to work by Japan, but eventually opened up a clear lead in the last five minutes of the final match in round four of group A.

It was the same story for Japan again who were able to match their opponents again, but not for the whole 60 minutes, meaning that it is now four losses in a row in their four matches and a spot in the 17-24 Placement Round.

Spain coach Isidoro Martinez had to take a time out just before the 20th minute to ensure his team, 8:7 up, did not let Japan equalise after the Asian side had created a number of opportunities to do so, stealing the ball from their opponents and causing turnovers but the noisy home fans could eventually relax as they watched their squad open up a three-goal lead (12:9 – 27th minute).

Japan’s goalkeepers could only manage two saves in the first half but, somehow, their side kept in touch well into the second half as Spain could not capitalise in attack.

Coach Akira Yoshimura maybe sensed the game was getting away from his Japan side as they were down again by three with just over a quarter remaining (19:16 – 42nd minute), but his time out did not work wonders immediately. However, 10 minutes later his side were back within one in a great effort/

But Mamadou Diocou Soumare, with three goals in three minutes (54-57th minute), ensured a five-goal lead with under five minutes remaining and Spain could relax.

Best Player of the Match: Natan Antonio Suarez Diaz (ESP)