By Neil Goulding (2010 FIL World Championships Press Officer, 07813 859986)

JAPAN have taken a major step towards reaching this year’s FIL World Championships semi-finals with their best-ever win in international competition.

Sixth last time around in Ontario, Canada, the Japanese sprung a shock 11-9 victory over Australia – the tournament’s third seed – in a breathtaking Blue Division clash at the University of Manchester Armitage Centre yesterday.

And with victory look to have ended England’s hopes of a shot at a medal.

England now have to beat Canada in their last group match tonight or hope Germany can upset Australia to stand any chance of progressing to the semi-final stage.

Beaten in overtime by England the previous evening, Japan showed no tired signs as they flew out of the blocks and into a 3-0 lead.

That lead soon became 5-1 at half-time and then 9-5 as Australia felt the pressure.

The men from Down Under raised their game and clawed back to two goals behind at 10-8, but Japan edged 11-8 ahead and Australia could only manage one more goal as they slipped to a shock loss despite having won the second half 8-6.

Wataru Tsugu top-scored with a five goals for Japan, while Shinya Maruyama bagged a double.

And there were also goals for Gen Hasegawa, Mikisuke Sekine, Tomohiro Masayuki Kadota were also on the scoresheet.

Leigh Perham scored seven goals for Australia, with Will Pickett and Alex Brown also found the back of the net.