Japan and Korea took the first victories of the last match day of the Preliminary Round. Japan secured the fourth place in group B, as Korea still can hope for the Main Round.

Group B:

Brazil – Japan 32:33 (12:13)

Tough fight for the fourth place in this group with a Japanese victory: The first half was on low level, as Japan was in lead only twice with a two goal distance (7:5 and 13:11). And nothing changed after the break, as everything remained absolutely close. But as Daisuke Miyazaki scored the 31:29 and Hidenori Kishigawa hit the back of the net for the first three goal lead (33:30) 90 seconds before the final whistle the match had been decided. Top scorer was Makoto Suematso with outstanding twelve goals for Japan. Brazil finish the Preliminary Round with 0:10 points and play for the places 21 to 24, as Japan took the fourth rank and go for the rankings 13 to 16.

Group D:

Korea – Slovakia 31:26 (14:10)

Korea did all they had in their hands to qualify for the Main Round, now they have to wait for the result of the Chile – Argentina match. But if Argentina take at least one point, the Korean dream is over and they have to play in three President’s Cup. Surprisingly Slovakia remain without any victory in the Preliminary Round and end up with only one point from the draw against Chile. Korea took the profit of a great start, overrunning the Europeans with a initial 7:2 series. Again the Slovaks didn’t find their rhythm in attack, as Korea paced up and stood strong in defense. Despite a Slovakian improvement the distance was still four goals at the break – and after an equal re-start Korea decided the game in minute 44 at the a score of 24:17. Though they lost their power, Korea still wasn’t really endangered in the final stage.  Lee and Yeong each scored eight goals for the Asians, Antl was top scorer of the match with nine goals for disappointing Slovakia.