Both Japan and Argentina had already lost a chance for a quarter-final berth, but they wanted to end the World Championship on a high – and their match was hard-fought and entertaining. In the end, Japan claimed a four-goal win and are now certain to finish third in the group. 

MAIN ROUND GROUP IV
Argentina vs Japan 27:31 (14:15) 

Japan won four out of their six encounters at Spain 2021, and while it was not enough for progressing to the next stage, the Asian team can leave the tournament with their heads held high.

The same can be said about Argentina, and although Eduardo Gallardo's team lost all the main round matches, they did not make it easy for any of their opponents. 

In the opening stage of today's game, both sides had a low shot efficiency, and they were level at 3:3 in minute 8.

The South American team were the first to find their rhythm in attack and left back Elke Karsten scored seven goals already by minute 20, both from the open play and 7m line, powering her team to a 13:11 lead.

But Argentina's technical mistakes and a few saves by Abinaomi Osawa helped the Asian team to turn the tide. Just six seconds from half-time, Kaho Nakayama's goal gave Japan a one-goal advantage, 15:14. 

"We expected a hard match, and it was really like that. We made some mistakes, but I'm happy that we managed to win,” Japan's coach Shigeo Kusumoto said. 

The back and forth game continued well into the second half, and after a 4:0 run, that saw Japan pulling ahead at 22:18, the unstoppable Karsten scored three further goals, including a spectacular one from the own half, to close the gap to 22:24. 

The Argentina left back finished the game as top scorer with 13 goals, but Japan did better as a team. However, a few players also stood out in their squad as fast wings Hikaru Matsumoto and Saki Hattori and centre back Natsuki Aizawa combined for 21 of their team's 31 goals. 

In the closing minutes, the Japanese had more power, and although Argentina fought until the final whistle, the Asian team claimed a victory, 31:27. 

hummel Player of the Match: Natsuki Aizawa, Japan

Photo: RFEBM / J. L. Recio