Japan reaches final of Olympic Qualifying tournament

(BEIJING, April 13) -- Japan squeeked into the finals of the Olympic Qualifying hockey tournament in Kakamigahara on Saturday and will meet Germany on Sunday. Needing just a tie to reach the final, Japan scored the equalizer with just two minutes remaining in the match, ending Malaysia's bid to qualify for the Olympics.

It was a devasting loss for Malaysia, who at one point led the game 3-1; the controversial nature of the tying goal added to their frustration. The Malaysians insisted that Japanese striker Kenichi Katayama touched the ball with his leg before pushing the ball into the goal with his stick. The umpires conferred and then ruled the goal good. Malaysia protested but was unable to appeal the result.

Germany, who had already qualified for the final with a win against Japan on Thursday, beat Poland 5-0, in a non-competitive match that looked liked a training session for Sunday. Switzerland beat Italy 4-0 in the final match of the day.