Japan showed that it will be a team to contend with today.

Team Japan was convincing in its opening game of the 2003 IIHF In-Line Hockey World Championship, dominating Australia, 14-2.

The Japanese made a statement early in the game, scoring three goals in a 35-second span to take a 3-0 lead into the second period. Masamori Kameko scored two goals in the first period. Japan built on its lead in the second period, adding four additional goals, including two from forward Shuhei Tadamora.

Australia snapped the shutout in the third period when Anthony Wilson scored at the 29:47 mark. Australia also had a moral victory in the third period by holding Japan scoreless.

Unfortunately for Team Australia, Japan made up for lost time in the fourth period, scoring an astounding seven goals, which were answered by only one Australia goal. Tsukasa Hachiya had a natural hat trick in the period and Tokeyasu Nakayama added two goals.

Team Japan (1-0) will play Argentina (0-1) tomorrow at 16:30. Australia (0-1) will try to bounce back from today’s loss in a 7 p.m. game against neighboring rival New Zealand (1-0)