The day concluded with the most important match, the encounter between the Russian hosts and Team Japan, a decisive match in the race for the World League Semi-Finals.

Japan got off to a good start with a 10th minute goal from Heita Yoshihara but Russia caught up with a goal from Dmitry Azarov little later, with Azarov's goal coming as the last rebound at the end of a series of shots that were valiantly warded off by Japanese goalkeeper Katsuya Takase, and the tied score stayed up until halftime.

Playing the more controlled and calm hockey in the face of hectic Russian attacks, the Japanese pulled ahead again with a penalty corner conversion by their set piece expert Manabu Hatakeyama, with a low flick beating the keeper.

Knowing they are under pressure to win the tournament if they want to go through, Russia played aggressive attacking hockey after the Japanese regained the lead, and had a string of opportunities but the Japanese defense warded off attempt after attempt. Shinji Kawauchi eventually finished off a quick counter-attack, catching the Russian defense off-guard, to make it 3-1. With only minutes to go  the match, Russia ran out of time to reply, and Japan secured the win and the elusive ticket to the Semi-Final.