Croatia narrowly advanced into the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup by defeating the physical Japanese 1-1 (3-1) on penalties in the opening penalty shootout of the FIFA 2022 World Cup. The Asian heavyweights put up a fight against the runners-up from 2018, with Deazen Maeda scoring the lone goal for Japan and Ivan Perisic doing the same for Croatia as both teams finished the game with a 1-1 result.
Croatia won the first half quite easily because Japan didn’t make many deliberate attempts to score. Instead, they concentrated on rapid counterattacks and focused their efforts solely on scoring possibilities. For the bulk of the first half, Japan was content to let Croatia control the ball. This team recognised that desperation produces failure after defeating both Germany and Spain in the group stage.
Due to the constant pressure applied by the Japanese defense lineup inside the box, captain Luka Modric attempted to take advantage of this opening by looping in precise crosses into the Japanese box. However, his teammates were unable to capitalize on this opportunity.
Daizen Maeda scored Japan’s first goal of the game in the 42nd minute with a beautiful shot from the corner. Doan received the short corner from the left and then passed it back to Morita, who sent the ball to the far post. Yoshida headed the ball off the square, and Maeda pushed it into the goal. In the end, Maeda scored a well-deserved goal after a scrappy corner and some action inside the Croatian box.
Croatia tried to take early control of the second half. Ivan Perisic converted a beautiful Lovren cross into a brilliant header that he curled inside the post for the equalizer at the 54-minute mark. The scoreboard is tied at one goal each for Croatia and Japan at minute 56. A few minutes later, Gonda dove to his right to block a stunning drive from Luka Modric that sank fiercely toward the Japanese goal.
A 1-1 draw was the result of the first 90 minutes. With 15 minutes of additional time, Japan had one possible scoring opportunity eight minutes in. Kaoru Mitoma smacked Livakovic in the gloves with a powerful blow. The game was extended by 15 minutes by the referee. Japan exhibited increased vigor throughout the second overtime period, but a solution was still elusive. In the waning seconds of extra time, Croatia finally had a realistic opportunity, but Lovro Majer missed the target and the referee blew the final horn. There will now be a penalty shootout in the game!
THE PENALTY SHOOTOUT
- Japan Shot No. 1: To deliver the opening kick for Japan, Takumi Minamino entered the arena. He moves low to the right, and Livakovic makes the stop by diving in the proper direction.
Croatia – Japan (0-0)
- Croatia Shot No. 1: Croatian player Vlasic takes the opening shot and makes it past the goalkeeper.
Croatia – Japan (1-0)
- Japan Shot No. 2: When Mitoma enters the game, he attempts to shoot low to the left, but Livakovic once more makes a stop.
Croatia – Japan (1-0)
- Croatia Shot No. 2: As Gondo travels the other way, Brozovic fires a screaming shot down the ground to the left.
Croatia – Japan (2-0)
- Japan Shot No. 3: The third shot for Japan is taken by Takuma Asano, who fires the ball to the right while Livakovic moves to the left. Japan finally score but are still behind Croatia.
Croatia – Japan (2-1)
- Croatia Shot No. 3: For the third Croatian strike, Livaja enters the game. He shoots strongly but misses the post. Croatia’s first miss!
Croatia – Japan (2-1)
- Japan Shot No. 4: Japan must win this one in order to continue. Maya Yoshida, the captain, carefully kicks the ball to the left, but the shot lacks both height and speed. With a smooth dive, Livakovic successfully saves it.
Croatia – Japan (2-1)
- Croatia Shot No. 4: Mario Pasalic takes the shot and scores the decisive goal. Croatia beat Japan 3-1 on penalties.
Croatia – Japan (3-1)
Dominik Livakovic of Croatia, who stopped Japan’s first two penalties from Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma to give his team the much-needed advantage in the shootout, ended up being the hero. The amazing performances by the Japanese players in the competition came to an end, and they broke down on the ground in tears. Croatia maintains their composure in the shootouts despite being by far the superior squad.
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