Croatia beat Japan on penalties to reach World Cup last 8 - www.asempanews.com

Dominik Livakovic proved to be the hero for Croatia as he made three key saves to send his nation through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as they defeated Japan 3-1 on penalties at Al Janoub Stadium to break the hearts of the Samurai Blue, who once again fall at the Round of 16 stage.

Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan side came into the match full of confidence after wins over Spain and Germany in the group stage, and they were looking to add a third European side to their list of scalps at this tournament.

However, despite their lack of possession early on, Japan were the side that created the better chances and looked more dangerous going forward.

The Samurai Blue eventually saw more of the ball towards the end of the first period, and were the side to strike first two minutes before the break, as Daizen Maeda reacted quickest to Maya Yoshida’s knockdown in the six-yard box from Ritsu Doan’s initial cross to tap the ball home beyond Dominic Livakovic in the Croatia goal.

Dejan Lovren’s cross from deep was headed into the far corner by Ivan Perisic from inside the area as Zlatko Dalic’s side were back on level terms.

Kaoru Mitoma had the best chance in extra-time for Japan in the 104th minute, but his powerful effort on goal after a sensational run from inside his own half was well saved by Livakovic

It was a nightmare of a shootout for Japan, who saw three of their spot-kicks saved by Livakovic in the Croatia goal