Japan is too strong for a willing Estonia

Estonia really did their best, in front of their fans, to try and take the first points away from the unbeaten Japan, but the Asians once again proved to be a solid team with a great technical level and left no way out for the opponents who generously tried up to the last minute to equalize the game.

Japan closed the first period ahead by a goal, scored by Shigeki Hitosato at 06:38, and then doubled with a shot by defender Jiei Halliday after 4 minutes of the central period. Mark Viitanen closed the gap just 9 seconds later and the home side had a couple of chances to equalise, well saved by goalkeeper Yuta Narisawa.

Very cynically Japan maintained control of the game, to strike in the 35th minute with Yushiroh Hirano, one of the most classy players, to take a 3-1 lead.

The last period has seen Estonia constantly in attack but without Narisawa making great saves. With this victory Japan is one step away from promotion, from which it is separated only by the last, difficult and decisive match against Ukraine, which however the Japanese will face with the advantage of a better position in the standing. Estonia, on the other hand, will end its discreet World Championship campaign campaign facing China in a match that will count for the bronze medal. Hardly more than a friendly

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