In the first penalty shootout of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, Croatia managed to beat the hard hitting Japanese 1-1 (3-1) on penalties to narrowly squeeze past into the quarter finals for the second straight world cup. The 2018 runners-up were given a tough fight by the Asian giants, as Deazen Maeda scored the only goal for Japan and Ivan Perisic did the same for Croatia as both teams ended at full time with a 1-1 score line. 

The first half went quite smoothly in Croatia’s favor as Japan wasn’t making many desperate efforts to score. Instead they focussed on lightning-quick counterattacks, and diverting their energy to convert only potential scoring opportunities. Japan were happily allowing Croatia to take the majority of possession for much of the first half. Having beaten both Germany and Spain in the group stage, this team understood that desperation breeds disasters.

Captain Luka Modric tried to capitalize on this giveaway, looping in pinpoint crosses into the  Japanese box, which his teammates failed to convert due to the sustained pressure by the Japanese defense lineup inside the box. Japan clearly seemed way more planned and coordinated in the field, as if they knew what was coming and what needs to be done. 

Japan finally broke loose as soon as they found the right time to do so. In the 42nd minute, a sublime shot form the corner saw Daizen Maeda push the ball into the nets to give Japan the opening goal of the match. It was short corner from the left that first went to Doan who further gave it back to Morita, who sent the ball to the far post. The ball was headed off square by Yoshida and Maeda pushes it into the nets. In the end, a scrappy corner, followed by some dramatic insight into the Croatian box got converted into a well-deserved goal by Maeda. The effort and endeavors of the Japanese team paid off! 

The first 10 minutes into the second half saw Croatia take charge and create a couple of scoring opportunities to level the score. At 54 minutes, it finally happened as a gorgeous cross by Lovren from the right was converted into a golden header by Ivan Perisic bent inside the post for the equalizer. At 56 minutes, the scoreboard is leveled with one goal each for Croatia and Japan. A few minutes later, Luka Modric fired a sensational shot at the Japanese goal that dipped viciously as Gonda dived to his right to make the save.

The first 90 minutes ended with a 1-1 draw. 15 minutes of extra time were added that saw one potential chance for Japan to score 8 minutes in. Kaoru Mitoma bolted a strong strike straight into Livakovic’s gloves. The referee added 15 more minutes into play. The second period of extra time saw Japan raise their energy levels, but a breakthrough could still not be found. Croatia finally had a real chance in the final minute of extra time, but Lovro Majer sent the shot wide and the referee called the final whistle. The match will now have a penalty shootout!

THE PENALTIES

Croatia captain Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, both walked back into the field after having been taken off the pitch before the final whistle. Both men being experienced penalty takers, were amongst the five players to take the penalty shots for Croatia.

• Japan Shot No. 1: Takumi Minamino walked in to take the first kick for Japan. He goes low to the right, Livakovic dives the right way and makes the save. Croatia – Japan (0-0)
• Croatia Shot No. 1: Vlasic takes the first shot for Croatia and successfully shoots it past the goalkeeper. Croatia – Japan (1-0)
• Japan Shot No. 2: Mitoma comes in and fires the ball low to the left, but is saved again by Livakovic. Croatia – Japan (1-0)
• Croatia Shot No. 2:  Brozovic sends a screeching shot down the ground to the left as Gondo goes the opposite way.  Croatia – Japan (2-0)
• Japan Shot No. 3:  Takuma Asano comes in to take the third shot for Japan, and he sends the ball to the right as Livakovic goes left. Japan finally scores but are still trailing behind. Croatia – Japan (2-1)
• Croatia Shot No. 3: Livaja walks in for the third Croatian strike. He fires hard but hits the post. This is Croatia’s first miss. Croatia – Japan (2-1) 
• Japan Shot No. 4: Japan needs to score this one to stay in it. Captain Maya Yoshida gently kicks the ball to the left, but the shot has no pace or height. Livakovic saves it with a comfortable dive. Croatia – Japan (2-1) 
• Croatia Shot No. 4: Mario Pasalic fires hard to score the winning goal. Croatia won the penalty shootout. Croatia – Japan (3-1)

Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic turned out to be the hero, as he saved Japan’s first two penalties, from Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma to give his team the much needed crucial lead in the shootout. In the end, it was Croatia who kept their cool in the shootouts and pulled off a thrilling victory to move ahead into the quarterfinals.

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