Croatia defeat Japan on Penalty shoot-out 3-1 to progress to the Quarter finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Nkwain Desmond December 5th, 2022, 6:26 pm

Likakovic saves three penalties as Croatia defeat Japan on Penalty shoot-out 3-1 to progress to the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter finals.

Japan had a memorable group stage that saw them defeat Germany and Spain to finish top of their group. Croatia finished unbeaten in their group with five points which included a win over Canada and a draw against Morocco and Belgium.

Maeda gave Japan the lead just before half-time! Japan took a short corner and Doan sent in a cross. Yoshida won the initial header and Maeda reacts quickest to the knockdown!

Croatia defeat Japan on Penalty shout-out 3-1 to progress to the Quarter finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — Maeda celebrates after scoring Japan’s opener in the first half

Perisic equalised for Croatia with a thumping header! Lovren’s cross into the box was slightly underhit but it favoured Perisic, who headed the ball into the bottom right corner with a lot of power.

The match went to shoot-out and Croatian goal keeper Likakovic saved three penalties to win the match for his nation.

Minamino, K. Mitoma and M.Yoshida stepped up and missed for Japan while Livaja was the only one who missed for Croatia hitting the post. Pasalic stepped up last and converted his spot kick to win it for Croatia

Croatia will play the winner of the Brazil and South Korea encounter which takes place later in the evening at 8pm