This evening's game was against Japan. Another strong team more highly ranked than Australia, but you wouldn't have known that 25 minutes into the game when the score was Australia 7 to Japan 16!

Victoria Brunsberg scored our opening goal 2 minutes into the game and was the highest scorer with 7 goals and the team's overall MVP ( Most Valuable Player ) winner. Vanja Smiljanic closely followed with 4 goals and tousled strongly with Japan in the centre court. Melissa Mellor scored 2 goals and her second was followed quickly by Lauren Keith scoring. Brianna Keyes scored her first ever World Championship goal just before the half time buzzer, bringing the score to Australia 8 to Japan 21.

The first goal of the second half was an Australian goal scored by Victoria, but despite Australia's best efforts, Japan started to pull away. Australia had four players sent off with 2 minute suspensions in the second half, but the team soldiered on with Victoria scoring 5 goals in the second half. Claire Dennerley worked hard out on the right wing as did Nina Markovic and Rachel Lodewijks took over when Victoria went off for a well earnt breather. Melissa Mellor played strongly in defence, blocking shots at goal by the opposition.

Australian goalkeeper's, Sonja Miskovic and Taylee Lewis, tried valiantly to prevent the success of Japan's seven penalty shots.

Australian coach, Janne Lilleeng, was proud of the effort of the team and commented that it was difficult to play against a quick team like Japan with all their fast breaks when Australia "didn't have a lot to swap" in terms of substitute players.

- Kerrie Keyes
AHF South Korean Correspondent