In the World Cup Round of 16, Japan and Croatia had an exciting matchup. Japan took the lead with a half-time goal by Daizo Maeda, but Croatia's Bileksi equalized shortly after the start of the second half, and the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time. In extra time, both sides have nothing to do, and finally through the exchange of penalty kicks, Croatia to 5-4 victory over the Japanese team, a thrilling advance to the last 8, while the Japanese team is sorry to say goodbye to the World Cup.
Faced with such a situation, Japan made minor changes to their lineup, with Kubo Kenyoung out due to injury, and Maeda Dairen, Kamada Daichi, and Don Yasutoshi playing in the center of the field, while Tomoyasu Kenyo replaced Itakura Hwang in the back. Croatia will continue to be led by veterans Modi Li and Biletsi.
Both teams played a similar style of play, attacking the goal with a group advance. As the match progressed to the 9th minute, Birese looked for a chance but could not capitalize on it, while Japan stepped up their ball control and gradually suppressed their opponents. In the 43rd minute, from a corner kick, Maya Yoshida crossed the ball back into the center of the field and Daizan Maeda took a shot to give Japan a 1-0 lead.
The Croatian team found a way to restrain the Japanese team and that was the high ball tactic. In the 55th minute, Lovun's free kick was lofted into the box and Bileksi headed it in unmarked to make it 1-1.
Morihoichi then made tactical adjustments, with Takuma Asano and Kaoru Mitaniello coming on as substitutes, but the Croatian team slowed down the pace and the game was stalemated. In the 87th minute, Takumi Minamino was substituted, but failed to change the game. In the end, the two sides drew in regulation time and had to go into overtime.
In the first half of overtime, Croatia made substitutions, with Luv Lumaca and Nikola Warsi coming on as substitutes. Japan relied on the individual ability of the players to attack, Kaoru Mitabiello advanced with the ball and shot, but the angle was too central, which was parried by the opposing goalkeeper Li Hua Gao Wei. In the second half of the extra time, Japan's defense was under pressure, and they finally held the ball until the end of the game, and had to decide the winner through penalty kicks.
Penalty shootout result (Japan shoots first):
Japan
Takumi Minamino: not entered
Sanlibel Kaoru: not entered
Takuma Asano: Enter
Maya Yoshida: not entered
Republic of Croatia (1991-)
Nicolahuasi: Enter
Bossovian: enter
Margoliwacha: not entered
Pasha Calendar: Enter
