worn by Dominik Livakovic, Croatia come out on top against Japan

After the {qualifications} of France, England, the Netherlands and even Argentina for the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, the spherical of 16 continued, this Monday at 4 p.m. First in Group E and certified, to everybody’s shock, for the ultimate desk, Japan thus had an appointment with its historical past. Eradicated within the spherical of 16 on the final World Cup in Russia, the Blue Samurai – already out at this stage in 2002 and 2010 – needed to do away with Croatia, vice-world champion. Second in group F behind Morocco, Luka Modric’s teammates, aligned in 4-3-3, began regardless of every little thing within the footwear of the favourite. Winner of Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1), Japan offered themselves, for his or her half, in a 3-4-3 with an attacking trio composed of Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda and inevitable Daichi Kamada.

Ivan Perisic responds to Daizen Maeda

At Al-Janoub Stadium, Zlatko Dalic’s males got here beneath Japanese stress in a short time and Shogo Taniguchi, completely discovered by Wataru Endo, was very near deceiving Dominik Livakovic (third) with a header. Stunned from the beginning, the Croats have been fast to regain management of possession and in addition confirmed themselves to be harmful. Profiting from the naivety of Takehiro Tomiyasu and responsible of a slight push, not sanctioned, Ivan Perisic spun on aim however discovered an imperial Shuichi Gonda (eighth). In a really energetic begin to the spherical of 16, Junya Ito provoked, as soon as once more, on his proper facet however neither Daizen Maeda, on the first publish, nor Yuto Nagatomo, on the second, managed to regain his tense heart (twelfth). Masters within the midfield, Mateo Kovacic’s companions responded shortly earlier than the half hour mark.

On a pleasant cross from Borna Barisic, Kramaric took benefit of a deviation from Perisic however was lastly countered in extremis by the Japanese protection (twenty eighth). Dominating, Croatia stumbled, nevertheless, on a tactically rigorous Japanese block. Worse nonetheless, Modric’s teammates trembled in opposition to Kamada, on the conclusion of an excellent collective motion (forty first). Earlier than cracking … On a nook performed in three levels, Maeda took benefit of a reduction from Yoshida to open the scoring (1-0, forty third). Led on the break, the Vatreni needed to react however had the best issue in destabilizing the Japanese traces. It was lastly essential to attend for the hour mark to see Ivan Perisic emerge on an ideal cross from Lovren and equalize with a robust header (1-1, fifty fifth). Caught up on the rating, the Blue Samurai nonetheless stung…

Croatia on the finish of the suspense!

By firing a splendid shot from the suitable from 20 meters, Endo thought he would put his individuals again in entrance however fell on a Livakovic, vigilant on his line (58th). Sharper, Croatia continued, regardless of every little thing, to assault. Discovered on the entrance to the floor, Modric tried his hand at it however Gonda completely repelled the ability of the Madrid participant’s volley (63rd). If Perisic was nonetheless signaled within the final quarter of an hour, his heavy strike fled the Japanese body (77th) and the 2 groups left for 2 durations of 15 extra minutes. In further time, Vlasic and Majer made their look as an alternative of Modric and Kovacic nevertheless it was Japan who stood out once more. Creator of an unbelievable breakthrough, Kaoru Mitoma ended up triggering a robust strike from the suitable however fell on the final Croatian rampart (one hundred and fifth).

True to their ideas of play, Hajime Moriyasu’s males continued to abuse this Croatian choice. With out discovering the flaw. Regardless of a closing try by Majer (120 + 1st), it was due to this fact essential to depend on the fateful penalty shootout to resolve between Vatreni and Blue Samurai. In that recreation, it was Croatia who confirmed extra composure (3 photographs on aim to 1) to supply themselves the scalp of the Japanese and attain the quarter-finals. Executioner of the leaders on this World Cup, Japan stops there. Croatia are actually ready to know the id of their subsequent opponent. Will probably be both Brazil or South Korea, who face one another this Monday at 8 p.m.

– Relive the complete assembly in reside commentary

The official line-ups at kick-off

Croatia beginning XI

Croatia’s XI in opposition to Japan! ?

What do you assume ? ?#JAPCRO #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/C1KVRNbjCT

— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) December 5, 2022

Japan XI

The XI of Japan in opposition to Croatia! ?

What do you assume ? ?#JAPCRO #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Xu8N2fOT0k

— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) December 5, 2022