Japan are knocked OUT of the World Cup on penalties by Croatia as goalkeeper Livakovic saves THREE woeful spot-kicks after 1-1 draw... with Japanese still awaiting first quarter-final appearance
- Japan crashed out of the World Cup as Croatia won 3-1 on penalties in the last-16
- Keeper Dominik Livakovic was the hero as he saved three of Japan's spot-kicks
- Striker Daizen Maeda opened the scoring for the Japanese just before half-time
- Ivan Perisic's bullet header for Croatia levelled the score shortly after the break
- The game became a cagey affair as the teams failed to find a winner in extra-time
- Croatia advance to the quarter-finals and will play either Brazil or South Korea
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Here go Croatia, inching across the board one square at a time, like the World Cup grandmasters of the grinding victory.
Taking as long as it takes, refusing to yield. On this occasion, it took a couple of hours of tournament attrition before goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a magnificent hat-trick of penalty saves.
Only then were Japan was shaken off and Croatia free to shuffle forward one more step.
![Mario Pasalic scored the match-winning spot-kick as Croatia knocked out Japan on penalties](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/20/65264041-11502885-Mario_Pasalic_scored_the_match_winning_spot_kick_as_Croatia_knoc-a-1_1670273818082.jpg)
Mario Pasalic scored the match-winning spot-kick as Croatia knocked out Japan on penalties
![Dominik Livakovic was the hero as he saved three Japanese spot-kicks during the shoot-out](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/20/65264221-11502885-Dominik_Livakovic_was_the_hero_as_he_saved_three_Japanese_spot_k-a-2_1670273818085.jpg)
Dominik Livakovic was the hero as he saved three Japanese spot-kicks during the shoot-out
They go into the last eight, building a menacing momentum as they did four years ago where they reached the World Cup final without winning once in 90 minutes, disposing of Denmark and Russia on penalties and England in extra-time before losing to France in Moscow.
'We are a small nation but we never stop fighting, especially this generation of players,' said boss Zlatko Dalic, with a passionate reminder of how Croatia finished third in France 98 as well as runners-up last time. 'This generation is resilient, do not give up, and reflects the spirit of Croatian people.
'We have been through much pain and the team creates pride for the nation. We had a bronze medal and a silver medal and now a quarter-final and for us this World Cup is not nearly over. We have the right to nurture hope. We have high quality and great team.'
For Japan, more heartache in the last 16, a World Cup obstacle they are unable to clear. Out at this stage for the fourth time, unable to repeat the epic results against Germany and Spain in the group stage.
They took a first half lead two minutes before half-time when a short corner routine set up Ritsu Doan to deliver a fierce in-swinging cross, which Croatia failed to defend.
![Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has hailed the resilience of his side after their victory](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/20/65267845-11502885-Croatia_manager_Zlatko_Dalic_has_hailed_the_resilience_of_his_si-a-6_1670273818099.jpg)
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has hailed the resilience of his side after their victory
![Daizen Maeda fired Japan ahead shortly before the break with a well-taken left-footed strike](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/20/65264157-11502885-Daizen_Maeda_fired_Japan_ahead_shortly_before_the_break_with_a_w-a-3_1670273818085.jpg)
Daizen Maeda fired Japan ahead shortly before the break with a well-taken left-footed strike
![Ivan Perisic levelled the scoreboard with a bullet header past Shuichi Gonda in the second-half](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/20/65264191-11502885-Ivan_Perisic_levelled_the_scoreboard_with_a_bullet_header_past_S-a-4_1670273818086.jpg)
Ivan Perisic levelled the scoreboard with a bullet header past Shuichi Gonda in the second-half
When it bounced down, Celtic striker Daizen Maeda was the first to react, and whipped it into the net. The goal survived a VAR check for offside and Japan were worth their lead.
They had created better chances. Shogo Taniguchi headed wide from cross by Wataru Endo in the third minute. Daichi Kamada went close, twisting inside the penalty area to make space for himself but slicing off target when there were perhaps options better placed.
Croatia were strangely placid. It might have been partly a deliberate ploy to avoid falling into the same trap as Germany and Spain, who both dominated possession against Japan only to lose, beaten by quick counterattacks.
Strategic or otherwise, it did not make for thrilling entertainment. The pitch, heavy and slow, did not help and atmosphere inside the Al Janoub Stadium fell still and silent when the Japanese drummers took a breather.
Ivan Perisic forced Takehiro Tomiyasu into a mistake deep in his own defensive territory, for Croatia's clearest chance of the first half but was unable to beat goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda from an acute angle.
![It was heartbreak for Japan, who were bidding to reach their first ever World Cup quarter-final](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/20/65264255-11502885-It_was_heartbreak_for_Japan_who_were_bidding_to_reach_their_firs-a-5_1670273818086.jpg)
It was heartbreak for Japan, who were bidding to reach their first ever World Cup quarter-final
Beyond this, they were restricted to just a few promising situations they did not have the invention to maximise against Japan's back five. Bruno Petkovic and Andrej Kramaric among the guilty parties.
The second half opened in similar fashion, devoid of urgency, until Perisic sparked Croatia into life with a splendid header, guided inside the post from fully 12 yards out after a cross swung over, fairly hopefully from deep by Dejan Lovren.
It was his 33rd international goal and his 10th in major tournaments, with six in World Cup finals, a Croatian record now held alongside Davor Suker. More importantly, something clicked into place for his team and they settled into a better rhythm.
At 37, the powers of Luka Modric may be fading and he could not make it through extra time. He appeared exhausted when he came off but for a spell he was influential in the second half, unleashing a dipping effort to be pushed over by Gonda.
Another Perisic shot was deflected wide and substitute Ante Budimir should have done better with a free header at the back post. Briefly, they looked the most likely winners before the contest evened out again and went into extra time, where Kaoru Mitoma was closest to winning it.
![Luka Modric (right), who came off midway through extra-time, congratulates his keeper](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/05/20/65264207-11502885-Captain_Luka_Modric_R_who_came_off_midway_through_extra_time_con-a-7_1670273818101.jpg)
Luka Modric (right), who came off midway through extra-time, congratulates his keeper
His fine run and drive from the edge of the penalty box clipped Josko Gvardiol, spun, swerved and required a good save by Livakovic on his way to his starring role in the shootout.
Japan leave Qatar having made many friends with their spirited performances, and shock victories. They have delivered smiles, too, as the tidiest team at the World Cup, cleaning up their dressing rooms and leaving behind little origami models.
They made Croatia work hard, too, but what a terrible mess they made when it came penalties.
Livakovic saved from Takumi Minamoto, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida. Only Takuma Asano scored for Japan. It may take some time for them to cleanse the heartache.
Relive Sportsmail's live blog for the World Cup last-16 clash between Japan and Croatia, written by BEN WILLCOCKS.
Pasalic thumps home his penalty to send Japan out of the World Cup on penalties.
It's heartbreak for Moriyasu's side, as Croatia's experience proves pivotal in the shoot-out.
A few shocking penalties from Japan, but credit to Livakovic who saved three huge spot-kicks for Croatia.
It's Croatia who progress to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Read Sportsmail's full report above for more.
Yoshida's penalty is SAVED by Livakovic!
Livaja misses and gives Japan hope!
Asano sends Livakovic the wrong way and keeps Japan in it.
Brozovic goes down the middle and calmly puts Croatia 2-0 ahead in the shoot-out.
Livakovic saves AGAIN from Mitoma's weak penalty. Japan are crumbling!
Vlasic fires his effort into the left corner.
Livakovic SAVES Minamino's penalty!
Yoshida wins the toss and chooses to go first in the shoot-out. How important will that be?
Nothing separates Japan and Croatia and we're heading for the first penalty shoot-out of the tournament.
Croatia have all the experience, having beaten Denmark and Russia on penalties in 2018, so you have to put them down as favourites.
However, with Modric, Kramaric, Kovacic and Perisic off the field, Japan will fancy their chances.
Can Japan seal a spot in a first ever World Cup quarter-final? Stay tuned!
ET: 30+1' - Majer fires a shot from distance in the last minute of extra time, but he drags the strike well wide of Gonda's goal.
This is going to penalties...
ET: 29' - Having taken off key penalty takers Perisic, Modric and Kramaric, it's clear the Croats are throwing the kitchen sink at this.
Japan are holding firm as Croatia bombard the box with crosses.
ET: 26' - Barisic picks up a yellow card for a late challenge on Ito near the halfway line.
ET: 24' - A flick on at the near post looks to test Gonda between the sticks, but the goalkeeper watches it well and collects the ball to quell the danger.
Getting his eye in ahead of a penalty shootout?
With penalties just eight minutes away, here's an interesting graphic showing penalty misses at World Cups.
Who'll step up to the plate this afternoon?
ET: 21' - Croatia fire a ball into the area but there's nobody there to meet it. It seems the Croats are a little fearful of over committing bodies forward in extra-time.
Gonda comes out and punches Croatia's corner clear.
ET: 18' - It's understandably cagey to start the second-half of extra-time, and the crowd are nervously watching on inside the stadium.
It's by far the quietest it's been in the stadium this afternoon.
ET: 16' - Croatia kickstart the second-half in extra-time.
Fresh legs for Croatia, as Perisic and Budimir bow out for Orsic and Livaja.
There's a change for Japan at half-time, as Morita is replaced by Tanaka.
It's half-time in extra-time - and the scores are still level.
We've got 15 minutes left to find a winner, otherwise it's going to penalties.
ET: 15' - Japan break in numbers as Mitoma charges up the pitch from his own half. He sees a little gap inside and fires an effort on goal, but it's straight down the throat of Livakovic after a slight deflection from Gvardiol.
So nearly from the substitute!
ET: 11' - A long throw from Juranovic falls to the feet of Perisic in the box, and the Spurs star fires a snapshot on goal.
It's well blocked by Sakai, and Japan survive the danger.
ET: 8' - Dalic shuffles his pack and takes a major risk, taking off star midfielders Modric and Kovacic.
Vlasic and Majer come into the midfield in their place.
ET: 6' - The referee stops play after a clash of heads between Tomiyasu and Pasalic.
The Croat gets up instantly, while Tomiyasu takes a little longer to get to his feet. Both end up carrying on.
ET: 4' - Japan ramp up their energy levels again as they look to stun Croatia, just like they did in the first half.
They've started extra-time the better of the two sides and have won another corner.
ET 2': As Ito whips a corner towards the near post, Taniguchi tries to glance his header goalwards but it fires wide of the target.
ET: 1' - Japan kick-off extra-time through Minamino. Here we go!
As we wait for extra-time to start, let's take a look at some of the key statistics from the clash so far...
Nothing in it both on the pitch and on the scoreboard, and we're heading for extra-time.
90+3': It looks as though both sides have accepted this going to extra-time, with a few sloppy passes from both sides creeping in.
Get ready for the first extra-time of the tournament...
90' - Kovacic slides in and catches Ito late with a poorly-timed tackle. He goes into the referee's book as a result.
Four minutes of stoppage time has been added on.
87' - A late substitution for Japan as ex-Liverpool winger Minamino replaces Doan.
86' - Another cross causes problems for Japan as Perisic floats the ball towards the back post.
Taniguchi just does enough to put off Pasalic, who heads wide.
84' - Brozovic and Perisic try a quick one-two to break the line on the right flank but the goal-scorer overhits it, handing Japan a goal-kick.
80' - Mitoma threads a fantastic ball into the path of Tomiyasu, who has a clear chance to shoot on goal, but the right-back instinctively cuts the ball back into a sea of Croatian defenders.
Impatient play from Tomiyasu. He has to get his head up there and have an effort on goal!
77' - Yoshida misplaces his pass and puts the ball into Perisic's path. He drives into the open space and fires a long shot on goal, but it's narrowly deflected behind for a corner.
Doan then puts in an excellent last-ditch tackle to quell the danger from the subsequent set-piece.
75' - Interesting change from Moriyasu, as right-back Sakai replaces winger Kamada, who has arguably been Japan's best player so far.
73' - Modric sees Perisic free on the left wing and drops a teasing diagonal pass across to the goal-scorer, but Ito scampers back to head the ball behind for a corner.
70' - Mitoma tries to speed round Pasalic on the left flank but overruns his final touch, handing Croatia a goal kick.
68' - Kramaric makes way for Croatia as Dalic looks to Pasalic to ignite his attack.
67' - Kramaric whips a searching ball in towards Budimir and finds his striker in a golden position, but he misses the target by some distance.
As a substitute striker, you couldn't have wished for a better chance before coming on. Big opportunity wasted there...
64' - Super subs Asano and Mitoma come on for Japan, as goal-scorer Maede and Nagatomo bow out.
63' - Modric thrashes his right foot at the ball outside the box with exceptional technique and nearly catches the Japanese keeper off-guard, but Gonda manages to get across and tip the ball over with a firm hand.
62' - It's the end of the afternoon for Petkovic, who has struggled up front today. Budimir comes on to replace him.
60' - Doan takes a shot inside the crowded penalty box as he's falling to the floor, and it prompts a simple save from Livakovic.
58' - Endo fires from distance after riding a couple of challenges outside the penalty box, and the big Croat just manages to tip the ball over the bar.
56' - What a header from Ivan Perisic!
After some patient build-up from Croatia, Lovren whips a cross into the penalty area and Perisic meets it firmly, sweetly directing the header into the bottom corner.
It's a goal out of nowhere for Croatia, and that's just what Dalic's side needed!
52' - Petkovic tumbles over in the box and screams to the referee for a penalty, feeling Yoshida brought him down by his shirt.
The referee walks away disinterested, and VAR quickly agrees with the decision.
49' - Croatia take a long throw from deep and Japan manage to head the ball clear, just outside the penalty box.
Kovacic attempts a speculative looping half-volley, which slowly heads wide.
46' - Moments after kick-off, Kamada skips on to his right foot as he evades a challenge and fires on goal from distance, inciting a dive from Livakovic.
The ball soars over the bar, but it's a positive start to the half from Japan.
46' - Kamada gets us back underway for the second half.
A big half from Daichi Kamada!
After two minutes of added time at the end of the half, the referee blows for half-time with Japan deserved leaders heading into the break.
Deep into stoppage time, Modric's corner kick nearly found Lovren, but Japan survived the danger.
Maede's goal typified the hard work and effort shown by Japan in the first-half, who were far more positive and energetic than Dalic's side.
44' - They've got there goal!
A short corner routine sees Doan whip a great cross into the area, and Yoshida manages to direct the ball back across goal.
Maede is in the right place at the right time to fire the ball home with his left foot, sending the Japanese crowd into a frenzy. 1-0 Japan!
41' - Ito skips away on the break and plays a smart ball through to Maede, who initiates Japan's best chance of the match, allowing his side to get up the pitch.
Maede shrugs off the defender and passes to Morita, who fires a pass into Kamada in the penalty area.
Kamada cuts inside and fires an effort on goal but misses the target from close range. They're doing everything right here but can't find the finish!
37' - Modric gives the ball away on the edge of his area, inspiring Japan to launch another attack on the Croatian defence.
It's not been the best half from Modric so far, with Japan making Croatia look very lethargic in midfield.
34' - Japan fashion their best spell of possession during the match and force an overload in the middle of the park, almost feeding a pass through to Maeda.
Kamada can't quite sort his feet out and the chance goes begging, but that passage of play will give Japan confidence.
31' - Endo plays an exceptional ball through to Kamada on the break, but the winger isn't able to capitalise on the opportunity.
As he charges towards the box, Croatia recover enough bodies and just get a toe to the ball, relinquishing the danger.
If Japan score this afternoon, it looks like a counter-attack is most likely.
28' - Croatia bombard the box with crosses from either side, first through Juranovic and then through Barisic on the left flank.
Perisic glances Barisic's cross towards the back post and Kramaric looks as though he's there for a simple tap-in, but he just can't quite make it to the ball in time.
Japan survive!
26' - Petkovic breaks the Japanese line and runs in behind, but fails to see Kramaric completely free in support.
Taniguchi gets back in time to slow down the striker, who is unable to sort his feet out and find his team-mate for an easy finish.
24' - Poor effort from Gvardiol...
Modric drills in a free-kick and Japan's clearance falls to Gvardiol on the edge of the area, but he spoons his shot high into the air.
The defender looks down at the pitch accusingly...
23' - Gvardiol hits the deck after charging in for a challenge on Doan. After a short stoppage, the centre-half gets back to his feet and carries on.
20' - Speedy Ito rips round Barisic with ease on the right flank and powers a low cross into the danger zone. Livakovic is there in the six-yard box to collect the ball and quash the danger.
Barisic is struggling against Ito... he just can't to keep up with the winger
17' - Nagatomo whips a great ball into the box and Maeda looks as though he's going to win the header, but the striker narrowly misses it and Gvardiol clears.
Moments later, Gvardiol fouls Doan in Croatia's half.
16' - Modric's glorious ball from deep finds Kramaric in behind, but the forward has to go wide to keep in the pass.
As he cuts back, he loops a ball into the box but it's a wasteful delivery, far behind Perisic and Petkovic in the area.
13' - Japan finally get up the pitch and work a series of quick passes together. Ito fires a low cross into the corridor of uncertainty and Nagatomo slides in at the back post, unable to direct a shot goalwards.
The referee blows for a free-kick, deeming that Nagatomo fouled Juranovic as he slid in.
12' - Croatia continue to dominate the ball and squeeze Japan back, who are having a hard time playing out of their half as it stands.
8' - Perisic breaks away from the Japan defence after a mistake from Tomiyasu, and the Spurs star takes a shot from a tight angle, which is saved by Gonda.
As Japan scramble back in support, Kramaric tries to backheel the ball into the net, but he can't squeeze it through the body of blue shirts, and Japan survive.
Big chance for Croatia there!
5' - It's been all Croatia in possession since the early scare, and Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic are beginning to dominate the midfield.
Japan's runners are working hard to win the ball back though and limit space in the engine room, providing a quick tempo to this match already.
3' - Japan take a corner short a whip a cross into the Croatia box, finding the head of Taniguchi.
The centre-back can't quite find the target as the ball heads behind for a goal kick. BIG chance for Japan in the early stages!
1' - Maeda steals the ball off Juranovic in Croatia's half and is brought down, winning a free-kick.
The ball in is a good one by Doan but no Japanese shirt is there to meet it.
1' - Kramaric gets us underway from kick-off at the Al Janoub Stadium.
The crowd buzzes with excitement as the players head out to the pitch for the nation anthems.
Here we go!
Japan have never made the World Cup quarter-finals after four attempts in the last-16. Are they on the brink of making history?
This is the final match the Al Janoub Stadium will stage at the World Cup. The venue will then be reduced to a capacity of 20,000 at the end of the tournament to make way for community projects.
Let's hope the last match is a cracker!
The passion on display when Japan qualified for the last-16 was something else.
Imagine how emotional post-match scenes could be if they advance to the quarter-finals this afternoon...
The Japanese and Croatian fans are set to cheer their team on in just over 45 minutes.
The stage is almost set!
With Kou Itakura suspended, it's a huge day for Takehiro Tomiyasu as he makes his first start of the tournament having returned to full fitness. The Arsenal man will be tasked with stopping Spurs star Ivan Perisic on Croatia's left flank, which could prove an interesting battle.
Bring Tomiyasu in shows the faith Hajime Moriyasu has in his right-back. Let's hope for Japan's sake it proves a fruitful decision...
Ritsu Doan comes in for Japan after his fierce goal from distance against Spain.
Japan XI: Gonda; Taniguchi, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Morita, Endo; Ito, Kamada, Doan; Maeda.
The enviable midfield of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic starts again as Zlatko Dalic names a strong side to face Japan.
Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Gvardiol, Lovren, Barisic; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic.
The Croatian team bus has arrived at the Al Janoub Stadium. Teams news should be out fairly soon.
Ritsu Doan's super strike against Spain, which should arguably have been saved by Unai Simon, has been recorded as the second most powerful goal during the group stage in terms of shot strength.
Only Luis Chavez's superb free-kick picked up a faster max speed.
Read Sportsmail's full story below.
Japan and Croatia have contributed significantly to the thrills and spills of the World Cup drama so far, knocking out Germany and Belgium from the tournament respectively.
Looking ahead to 2026, Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman is frustrated by FIFA's decision to 'spoil' the competition with 46 teams rather than 32.
Read his full story below.
Croatia have yet to be beaten in the World Cup so far and were at the sparkling best against Canada. Meanwhile, Japan's form has been hard to predict at the tournament, having beaten both Germany and Spain but lost to Costa Rica.
Japan
Japan 2-1 Germany
Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Japan 2-1 Spain
Croatia
Croatia 0-0 Morocco
Croatia 4-1 Canada
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
The Qatari fans who took photographs of Miss Croatia whilst grinning during her country's World Cup opener against Morocco are said to have done so because they disapproved of her outfit.
Read Sportsmail's full story below.
Beating Germany and Spain at a World Cup is no easy task... and Japan managed to defeat both in the group stage.
Their energy, passion and relentless enthusiasm has been lauded by fans since the opening match against Germany, but Sportsmail's Mark Clattenburg thinks the giant-killers were lucky to go through.
In reference to Japan's winning goal against Spain, the former Premier League referee said: 'I’m not sure the "evidence" was sufficient to say, without a shadow of a doubt, the ball did not go out of play'.
Read Sportsmail's full story below, which includes Clattenburg's views on other group stage matches.
After their fairytale run to the final in Russia, Croatia fans will believe anything is possible.
They're certainly in the mood ahead of this afternoon's crucial knockout clash.
Japan have already won two battles at this World Cup. Unexpected comeback wins against Germany and Spain saw them top the group of death, but a bigger fight lies ahead.
To do what they have never done before and reach the quarter-finals, they must embody the spirit of medieval warriors. That was the message of veteran star Yuto Nagatomo at Sunday’s press conference.
Read Sportsmail's full story below:
With multiple matches to keep track of every day, Sportsmail has made life a little easier for World Cup lovers by creating a guide to each match.
If you're wondering about the kick-off time, where to watch the match, or the stadium it's being played in, here's all you need to know about Japan's clash with Croatia this afternoon.
Hello!
Japan face off against Croatia in the last-16 this afternoon having triumphed against both Spain and Germany in the group stage.
Croatia, who saw off Belgium and narrowly edged through their group last week, head into the knockouts with experience and know-how having made the World Cup final in 2018.
Follow Sportsmail's live blog throughout the day for updates, news and match action as Japan and Croatia bid for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Stay tuned!
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