2022 World Cup Round of 16: Japan vs Croatia (1-1, 1-3 pens)

Lore & Background

Japan entered the 2022 World Cup as underdogs in a group that included Germany and Spain, yet they stunned the world by topping Group E with dramatic comeback victories. The Round of 16 clash against Croatia, the 2018 runners-up, was seen as a chance to finally break the 'Round of 16 curse'—Japan had never advanced beyond this stage in their history. The match was a clash of styles: Japan's high-energy, pressing game versus Croatia's patient, possession-based approach led by Luka Modrić. The narrative was charged with historical weight, as Japan had previously lost to Croatia in the group stage of the 1998 and 2006 World Cups.

Reader's Guide

The match began with Japan pressing high, disrupting Croatia's buildup. The opening goal came from a set-piece scramble: Daizen Maeda reacted quickest to a deflected cross, stabbing the ball past Livaković. Croatia grew into the game, and their equalizer arrived via Ivan Perišić, who rose unmarked to head home a cross from the right. The second half saw both teams cancel each other out, with Japan's midfield trio of Endō, Tanaka, and Kamada working tirelessly. Extra time was tense but devoid of clear chances, as fatigue set in. The penalty shootout proved decisive: Livaković saved efforts from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma, and Maya Yoshida, while Croatia converted three of their four penalties. Standout performances included Maeda's tireless running, Perišić's aerial threat, and Livaković's heroics. For Japanese fans, the defeat was a familiar sting—a reminder of the fine margins between glory and heartbreak, but also a testament to how far their team had come.

Did You Know?

• This was Japan's fourth World Cup Round of 16 appearance, having previously lost in 2002, 2010, and 2018.
• Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković saved three penalties in the shootout, matching a World Cup record.