Interesting Facts Against Japan 1-1 (1-3) Croatia: The Curse of the Blue Samurai in the Top 16 of the World Cup Continues

 Croatia must work hard to beat Japan in a duel in the top 16 of the 2022 World Cup , Monday (5/12/2022). The match ended in a 1-1 draw for 120 minutes, Croatia won on penalties with a score of 3-1.

The match at Al Janoub Stadium this time was exciting for 90 minutes. Even Japan played much better beyond predictions. Croatia had a hard time, until finally they were able to match the tempo.

This time, Japan took the lead through Daizen Maeda's goal in the 43rd minute. Croatia replied in the second half through the action of Ivan Perisic (55').

The 1-1 score lasted for 90 minutes and did not change after 120 minutes. The match went to a penalty shootout, and Croatia finally came out victorious with a score of 3-1.

This result led Croatia to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Japan, on the other hand, had to bow down and leave Qatar.

First round

Battle begin. Unexpectedly, Japan took the initiative to attack first. Croatia was forced on the defensive. The first 10 minutes lasted without significant surprises.

Croatia tried to snatch the ball from the feet of the Japanese players. Luka Modric et al. did dominate possession more until the 20th minute, but it was Japan who attacked more.

Croatia's slow build of play seemed unsuited to face Japan's high intensity. This time, Japan played more freely and gained more attack momentum. 30 minutes passed.

Japan's counterattacks almost hurt Croatia several times, unfortunately their final pass was not good enough. The Croatian defenders are still busier than the Japanese defenders.

In the 43rd minute, Japan finally found their advantage. Corner kick scheme. Doan's cross was met by Maeda's header. The ball went off the mark, but then came down and was met by Maeda's shot. Goal! Japan 1-0 Croatia.

Second round

The match resumed. Japan is trying to implement a higher pressure line. Croatia seemed to be playing more openly and trying to increase the tempo.

In the 55th minute, Croatia scored a reply. When Japan was engrossed in attacking, Lovren's gastric cross scheme on the right side was headed by Perisic who escaped from the Japanese defender's guard. Goal! Japan 1-1 Croatia.

A draw score makes the game open again. The coaches of both teams made a number of substitutions midway through the second half. Croatia still gained momentum until the 70th minute.

The Japanese came out slowly building attacks. Through counterattacks, Japan occasionally tried to threaten from both flanks, but Croatia's defense was still tougher.

Entering the final 10 minutes, the tempo of the match decreased. Both teams took turns attacking, but no mature opportunities were created.

Score 1-1 did not change until the referee blew the long whistle. The game went into 3-0 extra half minutes.

Extra round (extra time)

The players looked exhausted. The tempo of the game is moderate. Neither team is completely dominant in attack.

Japan several times get the chance in the first 15 minutes. Croatia had the ball, but no real striker gave them trouble.

The second 15 minutes, the tempo of the game is not much different. Both teams play long balls. No attack scheme was actually formed.

No goals until the referee blows the long whistle. The 120 minute duel ended in a 1-1 draw. The match went to a penalty shootout.

Penalty shootout

Minamino failed! Japan 0-0 Croatia
Vlasic goal! Japan 0-1 Croatia
Mitoma failed! Japan 0-1 Croatia
Brozovic goal! Japan 0-2 Croatia
Asano goal! Japan 1-2 Croatia
Livaja missed! Japan 1-2 Croatia
Yoshida missed! Japan 1-2 Croatia
Pasalic goal! Japan 1-3 Croatia

Croatia beat Japan with a score of 3-1.

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