Cyprus Mail
FootballSportWorld Cup

Croatia beat Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarter-finals

fifa world cup qatar 2022 round of 16 japan v croatia
Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic was the hero for his country after saving three of Japan's spot-kicks

Croatia goalkeeper Dominic Kivakovic saved penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida before Mario Pasalic netted the winning spot-kick in their 3-1 shootout win over Japan on Monday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

With the scores deadlocked at 1-1 after an absorbing 90 minutes, Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma went closest in the scrappy half-hour of extra time, forcing Kivakovic to parry away his powerful drive.

Daichi Kamada had shot off target after a flowing Japan counter-attack minutes before Daizen Maeda deservedly put them ahead in the 43rd minute, firing home from close range after Ritsu Doan delivered an in-swinging cross into the penalty area.

Croatia forward Ivan Perisic, who was denied by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda in the opening minutes, pulled them level 10 minutes into the second half after meeting Dejan Lovren’s cross with a powerful header.

Croatia will face either Brazil or South Korea in the quarter-finals.

Follow the Cyprus Mail on Google News

Related Posts

Greek police arrest dozens over links with sports violence

Reuters News Service

Nalin helps eight-man Sri Lankans to victory

Staff Reporter

Bellingham hits late winner as Real beat Barca

Reuters News Service

Cyprus Bowls finals coming up in Paphos

Press Release

Man Utd win FA Cup thriller against Coventry on penalties

Reuters News Service

Verstappen ‘on another planet’ with victory in China

Reuters News Service