The first penalty shootout of the Qatar World Cup was held on December 5 in the evening (Beijing time) at the Janoub Stadium in Hukla. After three penalties were saved by the Croatian goalkeeper, Japan, which was hoping to advance to the last eight, lost in the first round of the knockout round.
Despite failing to reach the last eight, Japan performed admirably against Croatia, the previous tournament’s runners-up. Japan was also the first to score, and Maeda’s corner goal just before halftime gave them the lead. Croatia had a focused strategy against Japan because they had learned from previous losses to Germany and Spain. Using their own advantage of height on the point, they could also strengthen the wing cross. That enabled them to draw even in the 56th minute when Perisic headed home Lovren’s accurate oblique cross from just outside the area.
Fans might still be recalling the World Cup semifinals that took place in Russia four years ago: After giving up the first goal, Croatia with the score of 2-1 lost to an aggressive England team. A similar narrative then continued. After defeating Germany and Spain in the group stage, Japan, who qualified as group winners, will face off against Croatia, the 2016 World Cup runner-up, in the quarterfinals. Reaching the semifinals during the World Cup was Japan’s best performance. Even before arriving in Qatar, the Japanese team openly stated their desire to advance to the last eight or even further. The team is more confident now that they have won the group stage.
The Japanese coach left himself a back-up against Croatia by starting other capable players like Tanaka and Takumo Asano. Japan has already demonstrated through two victories in the group stage that it does not intend to dominate the World Cup in the conventional sense. In the first 20 minutes against Croatia, Japan also only had 30% of the ball possession, but they produced more chances. Since then, Croatia has been gaining ground, and both Perisic and Petkovic have had opportunities to strike.
Just before halftime, Maeda scored from captain Masuya Yoshida’s header as Japan finally capitalized on a corner. For the first time in this World Cup, Japan scored the opening goal.
Croatia did not immediately make adjustments in the second half, but the attack was simpler and more effective. Perisic headed a diagonal pass from right wing back Lovren into the corner of the Japanese goal in the 55th minute. Croatia tied the game here.
After that, Moriboichi dealt his ace cards one at a time, but his attack was not very successful. After 90 minutes, the score remained tied at 1-1 between the two teams. The match entered extra time.
In the first period of extra time, Croatia’s captain Luka Modric was replaced by Mayeur and Vracic, both of whom were physically strong enough to keep the midfield moving and effectively stop Japan.
After 30 minutes of extra time and no highlights, the World Cup’s first penalty shootout took place.
Leva Yanukovich, the goalkeeper for Croatia, has earned the title of full-time hero after making three clutch saves—a penalty missed by Croatia and saves against two goals. After the shootout, Croatia prevailed 3-1.
Although Japan was unable to advance further in the World Cup, its series of victories over tough opponents was convincing enough. This Asian team is heading in the right direction. Although it is challenging for an aging team to advance, their capacity for miracles has not diminished. The team’s toughness and strength come from some seasoned veterans.