MUSCAT: Heavyweights Japan thrashed Oman 8-0 in the 5th-8th classification match at the Junior Asia Cup hockey championship in Salalah on Tuesday.
Hosts Oman were coming after a gutsy 1-0 defeat against Pool B toppers and semifinalists Malaysia overnight.
The only goal of the match was scored by Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi in the 48th minute of play after missing many chances in front of the Oman goalkeeper Ahmad al Farsi.
Ahmad Al Farsi deservedly won the player of the match award after several saves, which kept onrushing Malaysian players at bay.
Malaysia booked a semifinal against Pool A second-placed Pakistan after their fourth win in Pool B.
Malaysia ended toppers of the group with 12 points followed by South Korea on nine points. South Korea will meet Pool A toppers India in the last-four clash.
Both the semifinals will be held on Wednesday.
At the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex pitch on Tuesday, Oman were off-colour against an all-out attacking Japan in the 5-8th place match.
For Japan, Kumpei Yasuda scored three goals (19, 34, 58th minutes).
Ryoga Yamasaki (21), Hiro Saito (25), Ikumi Saeki (27-pc), Tsubasa Tanaka (44) and Yuto Higuchi (44) were also on target to complete the 8-0 win against the hosts.
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