Match report
NILAI, Malaysia – 15 August 2026 – China U21 secured 13th place at the IKF U21 World Korfball Championship 2026 after edging Japan U21 14–13 in a closely fought classification match in Nilai, Malaysia. The result gave China their second victory over Japan at the tournament, following their 13–10 win in the Pool B meeting earlier in the competition.
The statistics reflected just how evenly matched the teams were. Japan found seven goals from long-range attempts compared with six for China, while both teams scored twice from running-in shots and three times from penalty shots. China gained the narrowest advantage through their finishing closer to the post, scoring twice from near range and once from a free pass, compared with one near-range goal and no free-pass goals for Japan. China’s women contributed nine of their 14 goals, while Japan’s men led their scoring with eight of the team’s 13 goals.
With only one goal separating the sides at the final whistle, the match provided a fittingly competitive conclusion to both teams’ campaigns. China’s ability to find one extra scoring opportunity proved decisive, while Japan’s consistent long-range shooting and competitive attacking play kept the contest alive until the end. China finish 13th, with Japan taking 14th place after another narrow encounter between the two Asian rivals.
Photos
Photos by Marco Spelten
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