While the match between Japan Vs Poland and Australia Vs Argentina weren’t high profile encounters and weren’t much awaited by many, the stadium was packed with audience. Thanks to the organizers who managed to pack the arena inviting school kids, young athletes and local organizations to watch the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup. Japan made a comfortable victory over Poland but the match between Australia and Argentina was a nail-biting encounter.
The match between Japan and Poland of Group B had foreigner spectators cheering for the team. Japan was eyeing the semi-final berth with the comfortable win over Poland 33-22 to move up to second position. As expected Japan didn’t score many points on the mat but it was the lack of Poland’s defenses that allowed Japan to win. Japan has won both of their matches in this world cup however Poland is winless after three games.
The raiding points by Kazuhiro Takano and skipper Masayuki Shimokawa made the journey of Japan comfortable at the end. The first five minutes went in favor of Japan as they scored the opening six-points. At the end of the first half of the match Japan led by 19-10. Polish raider Jan Baranowicz played best game of his life to score nine points in raiding but his efforts were insufficient to keep the match alive of his country.
In the later match of the day, Argentina and Australia, both, were looking for their first win ever in the tournament. The Group A match between last two teams on the pool standings was interesting to watch. Aussies had the last laugh of the match as they won by comfortable 23 points margin and a score of 68-45. It was the highest score by both the teams in Kabaddi World Cup.
Featuring in their maiden World Cup, both teams were excited but lacked skills, experience and mind game which was very evident in their games. The 40-minute games kept the stadium alive as none-of-the two teams were ready to give up. Indian origin player Kuldeep Sing turned out to be outstanding player for Australia scoring 14 points on the day to secure Australia’s maiden win.
Today’s game between Bangladesh and Rep of Korea will be closely watched by many as it will decide the fate of Indian team in semi-finals. Many will be praying that Bangladesh win so that India can remain on top position but Rep of Korea is no less than any strong contenders of Kabaddi World Cup title.