Japan vs CroatiaJapan vs Croatia

Japan vs Croatia: Croatia remained composed throughout the penalty shootout despite Japan being the superior team throughout the game.

Croatians defeated Japan in the opening penalty to go to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup.

Dominic Kivakovic, the goalie for Croatia, turned down attempts from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma, and Maya Yoshida on the penalty spot before Mario Pasalic scored the game-winning kick in a 3-1 shootout victory.

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Luka Modric during Japan vs Croatia, (Picture Courtesy- Shutterstock)

Daizen Maeda’s well-deserved first-half goal was canceled out by Croatian attacker Ivan Perisic previously in the game, which ended 1-1 after regulation. In extra time, neither team was able to score, which resulted in penalties.

Japan vs Croatia: Mitoma’s effort to convert in the dying moments went in vain

Japan vs Croatia: After an exciting full-time, the scoreboard remained tied at 1 all. In the tense 30 minutes of the extended period, Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma came the closest. Prompting Livakovic to deflect away his powerful shot. Prior to Daizen Maeda putting Japan ahead in the 43rd minute. With a goal from close quarters after Ritsu Doan produced an inswinging ball into the penalty area. Daichi Kamada had missed the mark following a quick Japan breakaway.

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Maeda during Japan vs Croatia, (Picture Courtesy – Reuters)

Ivan Perisic, a striker for Croatia, leveled the score 10 minutes into the 2nd half after connecting Dejan Lovren’s assist with a strong shot. After being denied by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda in the initial quarter. In the quarterfinals, Croatia will play either Brazil or South Korea.

Japan vs Croatia: Both teams remained level until the shootout

Japan vs Croatia: Well before intermission, Japan seized the initiative at the Al Janoub Stadium when Daizen Maeda grabbed after a long free kick through into the opponent’s penalty box. Although neither team could produce a breakthrough inside 90 minutes or in additional time. Croatia came back with a spectacular strike from Ivan Perisic in the 55th minute to establish a dramatic final half-hour.

The Croatian team advanced to the quarterfinal round. After goalie Dominic Kivakovic stopped penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma, and Maya Yoshida.

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Gonda saves it for Japan during Japan vs Croatia, (Picture Courtesy- Reuters)

After losing to Turkey in 2002, losing to South American side Paraguay on penalties in 2010. And losing to Belgium an extra time 4 years ago. Japan suffered heartbreak in the last 16 for the fourth time.

Maeda’s goal at the brink of halftime

Japan vs Croatia: With Croatia increasing their aggressiveness to progressively gain possession of the middle and Japan attempting to strike them on the intermission. The contest was so much more open than anybody had any justification to anticipate.

In the ninth minute, Perisic had a clear chance at target, but Gonda blocked it. Bruno Petkovic also had a one-on-one opportunity, but he tucked a passing effort between the legs of the Japanese goalie.

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Maeda after scoring, (Picture Courtesy- Reuters)

Shogo Taniguchi, Daichi Kamada, and Maeda all had opportunities to access the floodgates until Maeda snapped the scoreless tie in the 43rd minute as Japan showed far more adversity than they’d faced in the first half of their group stage encounters.

Perisic’s strong header levelled it for the Croatians

Japan vs Croatia: Ritsu Doan caught the ball from a corner kick and floated it into the center. Bruno Petkovic redirected the ball underneath Yoshida’s watchful eye back throughout the six-yard line, and Maeda swooped to push it into the goal.

Twelve minutes later, Croatian forward Perisic headed the ball strongly into the bottom right corner of Gonda’s goal after a crossing from the identical wing. Dejan Lovren lofted a gorgeous pass into the area.

Perisic scores during Japan vs Croatia, (Picture Courtesy- Getty Images)

Japan came out of their shadows as a result, and Wataru Endo quickly sent a long-range attempt that Livakovic turned past the crossbar.

Although a sensational sprint and a shot from Japan’s replacement Kaoru Mitoma drew a superb stop out of Livakovic. Shortly prior to the intermission, extra time was a touch rougher.

Livakovic’s brilliance in the shootouts helped Croatia through the quarterfinals

Japan vs Croatia: While Japan maintained composure for the whole of the game. They lost it in the penalty shootout as Croatia won 3-2 thanks to goals from Nikola Vlasic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Pasalic.

Livakovic saves Minamino’s penalty, (Picture Courtesy- Getty Images)

However, Japan performed poorly in the shootout. Livakovic blocked Minamino, Mitoma, and Maya Yoshida’s penalty attempts, leaving just Takuma Asano to convert. As Mario Pasalic converted the go-ahead penalty to send his squad through. Marko Livaja’s shot off the frame was Croatia’s lone mistake.

In a 3-1 shootout victory over Japan, Croatia advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals.

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