Wales beaten 3-2 by Japan at Hockey World Cup

Wales will play Malaysia for 15th place at the Hockey World Cup after a 3-2 defeat by Japan.

The Japanese took the lead in the first quarter through Shota Tamada.

They doubled their lead when Kosei Kawabe was left in acres of space to score past Toby Reynolds-Cotterill, and Hyota Mamada had a third disallowed as the ball hit James Tyson dangerously.

Wales improved in the second 30, with Gareth Furlong hitting the post from a penalty corner.

Furlong forced a smart save from a second corner, which Jacob Draper rebounded home to halve the deficit.

Wales pulled their goalkeeper as they pushed for an equaliser but Kazumasa Matsumoto scored into the empty net.

Sam Welsh swiftly replied but, with only 30 seconds to go, Wales were unable to equalise.

The result means Danny Newcombe's side - ranked 16th in the world - will head to Wavre, Belgium for their final game of the tournament as they face world number 14 side Malaysia.

Japan will play France in Amsterdam for 13th place.

Wales tied for 11th place at the 2023 World Cup in India.

2026 is just the second time in their history that Wales' men had qualified for a Hockey World Cup.

Saturday, 15 August

India 3-1 Wales (Pool D) Amsterdam, Netherlands

Monday, 17 August

Pakistan 3-3 Wales (Pool D) Amsterdam, Netherlands

Wednesday, 19 August

England 8-2 Wales (Pool D) Amsterdam, Netherlands

Saturday, 22 August

New Zealand 7-2 Wales (9th-16th classification) Amsterdam, Netherlands

Monday, 24 August

Japan 3-2 Wales (9th-16th classification) Amsterdam, Netherlands

Friday 28th August (10:00 BST)

Wales v Malaysia (15th place play-off) (Wavre, Belgium)