Day 5 of the Olympic Qualifier in Japan sees Poland play against unbeaten Germany in the first match of the day, which is followed by Japan taking on Malaysia for a place in the final. Switzerland face Italy in the day’s last game, before playing each other again on Sunday to decide which team will finish in 5th and 6th place respectively.
Match 13: Poland v Germany – 13:00 (Local time)
With Poland seemingly unable to reach the final and Germany already there, it is unlikely that there will be any pressure on either team in this encounter. With nothing to lose, Poland can demonstrate against the tournament favourites that they have improved greatly since their opening matches of the tournament which saw them defeated by Malaysia and Japan. Germany – having confirmed their strength by beating Japan on Day 4 – will be looking for a good performance before the final on Day 6.
Match 14: Japan v Malaysia – 15:00
Host nation Japan lost 4-0 against Germany in their last fixture, meaning that to reach the final they must secure at least a draw against Malaysia in this potentially thrilling encounter. Malaysia gave Germany the tougher game, when they only lost 3-0 against them, but showed their inconsistency when they almost fell to defeat against Italy on Day 2. If striker Boon Huat CHUA is in form, they have the potential to destroy Japanese dreams. Japan will count on the support of the home crowd and the drag-flick qualities of Takahiko YAMABORI, who has already scored five times in the tournament.
Match 15: Switzerland v Italy – 17:00
After four days of tournament hockey, Switzerland are still without a point despite some excellent performances. Aside from the 10-0 thrashing handed out by Germany, the team have only lost by one goal in their fixtures against Poland, Malaysia and Japan, and surely deserve to leave the tournament with at least a point. Italy’s draw with Malaysia highlighted their defensive penalty corner qualities, but like Switzerland, the team are out of the running for third place. This encounter will be a warm-up fixture ahead of tomorrow’s 5th/6th place play-off match between the two teams.
Live commentaries will be written for all of today’s matches on this site, with photos, scores, match sheets and tables updated throughout the day.
