Croatia goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic was the hero today as the team qualified for the quarter-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The Russia 2018 runners-up defeated Japan 3-1 on penalties after full-time and extra-time of the round of 16 encounter ended 1-1 at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Livakovic saved penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida, while Croatia converted three of their four kicks.
Nicola Vlasic, Marcelo Brozovic and Mario Pasalic were successful in the shootout for Croatia, with Marko Livaja the only one who missed.
In regulation time, Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead in the 43rd minute, firing home from close range after Ritsu Doan’s inviting cross into the box.
Ivan Perisic, who was denied by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda in the opening minutes, drew Croatia level 10 minutes into the second half after meeting Dejan Lovren’s cross with a powerful header.
With the scores tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma went closest in extra-time, forcing Livakovic to push away his powerful hit.
Croatia will face the winners of tonight’s round of 16 clash between Brazil and South Korea in the quarter-finals on Friday.
