Japan produced the biggest shock of this edition of the IHF Women’s World Championship. The team won with 27–26 against co-hosts Denmark.
Denmark had previously won all their matches in the preliminary round, while Japan lost against European opponents, 30–31 against Germany and 30–32 against Poland. Therefore Denmark entered the match as heavy favorites and many expected a Danish victory.
Japan found themselves at an immediate disadvantage and Denmark had a 5-2 lead. However, Japan quickly caught up and surpassed them. The first half was evenly contested, and the teams entered the break in a deadlock, 12–12.
It was Japan that had the best start in the second half, while Denmark struggled and had no speed, no impetus and no efficiency in attack. During the initial 15 minutes of the second half, Jesper Jensen’s team managed to score only five times, which allowed Japan to established a substantial lead.
When Jesper Jensen called for a team timeout with 14 minutes remaining, Japan held a four-goal advantage (22–18). Sakura Kametani in Japan’s goal had an excellent game, and Denmark had a hard time scoring on her.
However, Denmark didn’t gave up and in the final minutes it was equal. Hikaru Matsumoto scored with three seconds left, which meant that Japan produced the biggest shock of this edition of the IHF Women’s World Championship.
Denmark–Japan 26–27 (12–12)