Japan 8, Malaysia 0

Japan continued to look like the strongest team at the Women’s Olympic Qualification tournament as they had no problems dispatching #23-ranked Malaysia, 8-0. It was the most lopsided result of the tournament so far.

Kaori Fujio led her team with a hat trick on two field goals and a penalty corner in the convincing victory. Beyond Fujio’s strong performance it was a team effort as five different players were responsible for the other five Japanese goals

Despite spending much of the first half swarming the Malaysian net, Japan only went into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Kaori Fujio gave Japan the early lead as she marched down field and put in the 1-0 goal. Late in the half, Sachimi Iwao doubled the lead with a deflection on a penalty corner.

The floodgates opened in the second half as the Japanese scored six unanswered goals. The hosts spent nearly the entire half camped in front of the Malaysian net and used the experience to crafts some fancy plays that included tic-tac-toe goals and spinning behind the back moves. Malaysia could do little to stop the onslaught as they were visibly frustrated and worn out.

Japan, ranked #9 in the FIH World Ranking has yet to face any stiff competition at the qualifier. They have played only the two lowest seeds and the competition is sure to get tougher as they makes their way up the standings. The next game will be the toughest test yet for the hosts, when they take on #17 Chile.