Croatia beat Japan: Livakovic turned match-winner on Monday as he helped Croatia beat Japan 3-1 on penalties to seal a place in the Q/F’s.
The Dinamo Zagreb keeper saved three of Japan’s penalties in the shootout as Croatia won 3-1 in the shootout after it ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Germany, Belgium, Uruguay Why Top Contenders KO from WC
Maeda gave Japan a first half lead when he reacted quickest to Yoshida’s knockdown and scored from close range just before half time.
It was a deserved lead for the Samurai Blue as they upped the game and increased pressure in the first half before getting the goal.
In the second half, Perisic equalized in the 55th minute when he thumped his header from Lovren’s cross. The Zenit player was given enough time and space to deliver a teasing ball in which was completed by Perisic in style.
10 – Ivan Perišić has scored more goals at World Cups and European Championships combined than any other Croatia player (10). Knack. pic.twitter.com/84zvxUtiD0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2022
As soon as this goal was scored, both sides dipped in energy and intensity; hereby not having much in terms of testing efforts on goal.
Gonda and Livakovic made a save each in the second half from Endo and Modric respectively, apart from which there wasn’t much. Even during extra time, the lack of energy was visible.
CRO vs JAP PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Livakovic made three saves off Minamino, Mitoma and Yoshida while Vlasic, Brozovic and Pasalic struck for Croatia. Asano was the sole scorer for Japan in the shootout.
It was a disastrous penalty shootout for Japan as their takers’ shots were poor and not test worthy. But Livakovic stamped his mark with the saves to ensure Croatia’s place in the Quarter-Finals.
🇭🇷 Croatia’s hero 🇭🇷
A hat-trick of penalty saves! 👏#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/8MKDVEFhWy
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 5, 2022
This result meant Croatia won all 3 of their WC penalty shootouts and will face the winner of Brazil/South Korea in the Q/F’s.
