[Women's Junior Handball Japan National Team] Narrowly defeated by Spain by 1 point, advances to 5th-8th place match for highest historical ranking in 25th Women's Junior World Championship

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The Women's Junior Japan National Team (U-20), currently competing in the "25th Women's Junior World Championship" held in China from June 24th, faced Spain in the quarterfinals of the knockout stage on July 2nd at 18:30 (19:30 Japan time). After a fierce battle, they were narrowly defeated 33-34 by a single point.

As a result, Japan's chance for a first-ever medal has ended, but they will aim for their best historical ranking in the 5th-8th place match.

◇ Knockout Stage Quarterfinals Spain 34 (18-15, 16-18) 33 Japan

[First Half] Within striking distance heading into the second half

In the first half, Japan struggled against the defense of the physically superior Spain after the first 3 minutes, conceding 4 consecutive goals. By the 7th minute, they were trailing by 4 points at 2-6.

However, Japan gradually adapted to the opponent's physique and spacing, closing the gap with post shots from Mao Kato and cut-in shots from Haruyo Samo, leveling the score at 8-8 in the 13th minute and taking a 2-point lead at 13-11 in the 21st minute.

Spain then regained their defensive rhythm and took a 3-point lead at 15-18, but Japan headed into the second half with a manageable deficit.

[Second Half] Pushed the strong opponent to the brink but fell short by one point

In the second half, Japan fell behind by 4 points shortly after the start and again after 12 minutes. However, they fought back with tenacious defense centered around goalkeeper Hana Ozaki, and post shots from Ai Nakao and fast breaks from Kaede Abe, leveling the score at 26-26 after 15 minutes and entering a back-and-forth battle.

Neither team yielded, but with less than 10 minutes remaining, a streak of 3 consecutive goals conceded during a period of offensive struggle, similar to the first half, proved to be the deciding factor, resulting in a narrow 33-34 loss by just one point.

◇ Japan's Scorers and Goalkeeper Saves

#6 Haruyo Samo 7 goals #23 Ai Nakao 6 goals #10 Yui Matsumoto 4 goals #5 Ririko Inayoshi 3 goals #17 Kaede Abe 3 goals #25 Mao Kato 3 goals #15 Wakana Kita 2 goals #20 Yosaki Aragaki 2 goals #4 Airi Jinno 1 goal #13 Futaba Ikeda 1 goal #14 Mako Nakamura 1 goal

- GK (Saves/Shots Faced)

#12 Hana Ozaki 13/44 #21 Mizuki Sugimoto 0/1

*Detailed stats here

◇ Next Match

5th-8th Place Match

Date: July 3rd (Fri) 18:30 (19:30 Japan time) vs Serbia

Falling short by one point, Japan's medal hopes are over. However, they will continue to play in the remaining two matches, aiming for their highest historical ranking.

Similar to Spain, they will face Serbia, whom they narrowly lost to by one point in the 5th-8th place match of the Women's Youth World Championship two years ago. A win in this match will secure them a historical best ranking of 5th or 6th place.

Please continue to support the players who are determined to move forward relentlessly.

[25th IHF Women's Junior (U-20) Handball World Championship]

Period: June 24th (Wed) - July 5th (Sun), 2026

Host Country: China

Tournament Details: Tournament Page

Next Match: 5th-8th Place Match

Date: July 3rd (Fri) 18:30 (19:30 Japan time) vs Serbia

◇ Broadcast/Streaming

Live streaming on the IHF (International Handball Federation) official YouTube channel

- Knockout Stage Quarterfinals

Match vs Spain (July 2nd, Archive)

- Main Round Archives

Match vs Hungary (June 29th, Archive)

Match vs Poland (June 30th, Archive)

- Preliminary Round Archives

Match vs Faroe Islands (June 24th, Archive)

Match vs Norway (June 25th, Archive)

Match vs Croatia (June 27th, Archive)

□ Japan National Team Roster here

25th Women's Junior World Championship Roster