Japan goes off without a hitch

Japan adds three more points in the journey to return in Division Ia getting rid of a brave Croatia, defeated again but capable of a good performance as in previous game against Britain and with the important addition of Tom Zanoski, out in the first clash, in the lines. Japan doesn’t start brilliantly as against Netherlands, suffering the pressure of Croats and saved by goalie Fukufuji, author of a couple of key saves on Borna Rendulic, in the first part of opening period. Captain Go Tanaka and Yoshiroh Hirano open the fire against Vilim Rosandic, today in Croatia cage replacing the uncertain Tomljenovic. After some not difficult saves, the Croatian goalie has to pick the puck in the net at 08:40 when Kazanari Koizumi brilliantly finishes a teamwork with a one-timer from the distance. Mislav Blagus has the best chance to tie the score but his deflection is controlled by Fukufuji, while same goalie is lucky when the pad stops the deflection of Rendulic on a shot rebounded on the deck. Rosandic slams the door on Hirano but can’t catch the puck smartly deflected by Sho Sato on Tanata shot at 16:40 for the second goal of Japan. A minute after Fukufuji deflects on the post a sharp hit from Blagus. Also in the second period Croatia continues conceding power plays, allowing Japan to triple the score with Go Tanaka, prompt to net a puck dancing on the goal line. A one-timer by Jankovic deflected by Fukufuji is a break in Japan dominance, with Rosandic with an extrawork, outstanding at 35 on Yosuke Yaga point-blank attempt.

Finally taking advantage of a power play Croatia can score the first goal with Andy Sertich, smart in sending in the net a puck deflected by the defense. It’s a short joy, one minute after Hirano restores distances with the help of goalie Rosandic not securing the puck, finally get in the net by a awkward attempt by Luka Jarkov. Before the final whistle there is room for a late consolation goal by Croatia, scored again by Sertich with a precise shot

MVP: Andy Sertich – Sho Sato

Tweets by @eurohockey