Host Israel edged by Japan, to battle for 7th at Lacrosse Worlds
By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFFAFTER LOSING to Australia in the quarterfinals, Israel fell 10-9 last night to Japan at the FIL World Lacrosse Championship in Netanya and will play for seventh place today against Puerto Rico or England.(photo credit: ODED KARNI)
In 2014, Scotland relegated Japan outside of the top six in a 10-9 double-overtime heartbreaker, making 2018 the first FIL World Lacrosse Championship in which Japan competed outside of the top division since 2002.On Wednesday, Japan got Scotland back in a 11-7 handling of its foe. The Japanese finished the second and final step on Thursday, topping tournament host Israel 10-9 in a rematch of the seventh-place game in Denver that the Israelis won.Although Israel was able to get quality looks on Japan’s defense, it couldn’t solve the final question standing in net. Japanese goalie Shunsuke Hattori stole the show, making many acrobatic and last-ditch saves.Israel clawed back after falling behind 6-2 in the second quarter, with defender Isaac Paparo coming up with a hat trick to bring the Israelis back into the game. But Japan stood firm, never allowing Israel to bring the scoreline level.Japan’s Tatsuki Hashimoto scored four goals to lead the Japanese attack. There were six other scorers, spreading out the danger and making it difficult for Israel to contain.On Friday, Israel will face the loser of Puerto Rico vs England – a match which finished late – with the winner taking seventh place and loser settling for eighth.In Thursday’s first semifinal, Canada beat the Iroquois Nationals 15-4 to reach the final. The United States took on Australia in second semi, which ended after press time.Saturday’s title game will take place at the Wingate Institute in Netanya at 10 a.m.
