Singapore – Cook Islands 27:20 (15:10)

The spectators in the Convention Center in Singapore went crazy, the players couldn’t really believe what had happened: YOG host Singapore took their first ever victory on international turf by winning the first leg of placement matches 5/6 in the boys tournament - the Cook Islands still wait for their first point in Singapore after the 20:27 (10:15) defeat. They have their next chance on Tuesday, when the second leg of the placement phase will be carried out. But Singapore now’s the great favorite for the fifth place, as Cook Islands need a victory with more than seven goals to overtake the host in addition. Goalkeeper Izzat Hashim Siraj and top scorer Pillay Perumal (8 goals) were the match winners for the brave fighting players from Singapore. Cook Island were in lead only once in the whole 60 minutes, at the score of 1:0. After that the Asians took control of the match and extended the lead very early to 14:8. After the break Pillay Perumal pre decided this encounter by three consecutive goals to the intermediate score of 19:10, the biggest gap was 27:16 in minute 56, before the team from Oceania came closer a little bit. Best player for the Cook Islands was goalkeeper Munokoa Elikana with 19 saves; Tapi Mataora scored six goals for them. Positive side fact: No two minutes suspension had to be given in the whole match!