Australia took their first win against Japan – 07.12.2015

Australia and Japan played an exciting and high scoring game. The goals were scored in turns but in the end, Australia was better with a 8-6 score. With Autralia, Singapore and Japan all at equal points, Australia places second in the group being the only one with a two-goal win and the best internal matches goal difference.

In the first period the game was even. Both teams had a couple of scoring chances and one goal was scored in both ends. One of the most noticeable things was the team spirit of Japan as the bench cheered loudly for the players on the court throughout the whole game. As seen before, Australia had a great fan group cheering for them in the stands.

The intensity increased in the second period. Japan let Australia have the possession and tried to score with fast counter-attacks. Both tactics were effective and the game was tied 3-3 after 40 minutes of play.
Australia got a fast start to the final period. Only six seconds in, Phoebe Hamilton scored her second goal of the game and took the lead for the yellow and green.  Five minutes later Australia stretched the lead to 2 goals but the game was far from over.  Japan tied the game with 2 goals in 9 seconds. This wasn’t enough as Australia continued scoring and took the win.

Tara Mayer commented on her hat trick which ensured the win for Australia.
“I haven’t been able to score in this tournament so this was a huge relief. And for some reason I always play well against Japan. You could say these games are always special for me.”