Slovenia remain unbeaten in the 2009 Division 1A World Championships in Vilnius after a tight battle against Japan.

Slovenia got on the scoreline early when Hebar was left unnoticed on the far post to convert Marcel Rodman's initial attempt with 6 minutes played. But, with very few shots on goal, just 11 shared between the two teams, this was about the only time either Haruna or Hocevar were troubled.

Instead, much of the action was held further out. Slovenia were doing a very good job of breaking down the Japanese attack in neutral ice, while Japan were doing a good job of pushing the Slovenian forwards into the corners. As a result, this was a bruising, punishing first period with two roughing minors apeice as both teams let their frustrations and tempers frayed.

In the second period, two quick fire penalties to Slovenia gave Japan the superior power that they needed to gain control of the offensive zone. A screaming Aaraon Keller blueline slapshot through traffic found it's way past an unsighted Hocevar. However, the stalemate would only last 59 seconds before Music scored short-handed on the same penalty after stripping the puck off the Japanese at the blueline and skating in solo.

Again, the game stayed physical, with Razingar and Robar noticeable in this department for Slovenia, in particular.

The third period was more of the same. As much as Japan pushed forward, they simply didn't have that final touch that would find it's way into the Slovenian net. Hocevar was required to make a late save from Suzuki, but that was as good as it got. Pulling Haruna with 90 seconds left only resulted in two near misses for Slovenia, including a shot that hit the outside of the goal post.

Overall, this still felt like the silver medal decider. One can't help but feel that Kazakhstan have the measure of both teams.