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Japan punished for missed chances against Croatia, says ex-Nigeria striker Aghahowa
By Olu Dare
Former Nigeria striker Julius Aghahowa said Japan lost to Croatia because of their inability to convert the chances that came their way.
In the Round of 16 fixture played on Monday, the Asians scored first, albeit the Europeans levelled matters in the second half.
With the fixture tied 1-1, the game was decided by kicks from the penalty mark with Dominik Livakovic saving three kicks.
In the process, he becomes the third goalkeeper to make three saves in a single World Cup penalty shootout after Portugal’s Ricardo in 2006 versus England and his compatriot Danijel Subasic versus Denmark in 2018.
“Croatia showed that they wanted the win more. They applied the pressure, ran a bit more and certainly created more goal-scoring chances,” Aghahowa said on Brila FM.
“Penalties is a dice. It’s down to luck but the Japanese had the chance to convert their chances which they didn’t.
“The Japanese ought to have up the ante and win in extra time. They haven’t had the luck in penalties but it’s football and you never can tell how things will turn out.
“The game was balanced but at extra time the players were tired and both teams needed fresh legs (Modric was subbed off almost immediately).”
He went a step further saying that the decision to play Real Madrid’s Luka Modric a bit deeper in midfield affected the chances of the Croats to put away their numerous chances which Japan failed to take advantage of.
“Modric played too deeply so his creative best was not utilized by Croatia,” he continued.
“Japan failed to make this count but despite the defeat they have fought a good fight. In this World Cup, they produced some results that are now in the history of the tournament.”
