Japan handed a 5-2 thrashing to South Africa to ensure that they don't finish last in the hockey World Cup placing match on Saturday.
Japan will now play for the 9/10th place, while South Africa will figure in the 11/12 placing match on Sunday.
In a match which produced seven goals, five of which came in the second session, Japan dictated the proceedings and should have won by a higher margin but for the missed chances.
South Africa put up good fight in patches but the Japanese, with their fast paced game, overwhelmed them.
Japan scored the first goal through Kazuo Yoshida who converted a penalty corner in the seventh minute and 18 minutes later, Akira Ito made it 2-0.
Two minutes into the second half, South Africa reduced the margin when Ian Symons scored off a penalty corner (1-2).
After that the Japanese and the Africans traded a goal each in the space of 11 minutes with Toshiaki Fukuda scoring in the 47th minute (3-1) and Ian Symons again converting a penalty corner (2-3) in the 58th.
Japan then pumped in two more goals through Mitsuru, who converted a penalty corner in the 61st minute (4-2), and Toshiaki Fukuda in the 67th minute (5-2) to complete the rout.
{{/usCountry}}Japan then pumped in two more goals through Mitsuru, who converted a penalty corner in the 61st minute (4-2), and Toshiaki Fukuda in the 67th minute (5-2) to complete the rout.
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