Japan advanced to the quarterfinals by sinking Germany, 13-2, in the play-in round on Wednesday at the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship in Seogwipo, Korea.
Germany put together a strong defensive shift to slow down the prolific Japanese attack, but Japan eventually pushed to a 5-1 lead at halftime and was never in danger in from there.
Japan won 13 of 18 face-offs and and allowed just eight shots on goal.
On Thursday, Japan will face the No. 3 seed Australia in a quarterfinal at 12 p.m. The two teams also met in the quarterfinals at the 2022 edition of the event, with Australia narrowly pulling out an 8-6 win, setting the stage for what could be one of the games of the championship on Thursday.
Jinichiro Sato paced the Japanese attack once again with four goals, bringing his total to 10 through four games. Seita Shiraksuka added three points.
Face-off man Kyle Hata has been one of the best in Seogwipo, and won at a 72% clip on Wednesday. Through four games, his 88% winning rate total is the best mark at the championship.
Erik Mischel made five saves for Germany, with goals from Julius Busch and Lars Litzinger.
Germany will enter a placement bracket towards ninth place, with play continuing on Friday at 11 a.m.
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