Croatia defeated Japan on kicks to advance to the quarterfinals.
In a 3-1 shootout victory over Japan on Monday to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominic Kivakovic turned aside penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma, and Maya Yoshida. Mario Pasalic then scored the winning penalty.
After an exciting 90 minutes, the score remained tied at 1. In the tense 30 minutes of extra time, Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma came the closest, forcing Kivakovic to parry away his potent drive.
Prior to Daizen Maeda putting Japan ahead in the 43rd minute with a goal from close range after Ritsu Doan delivered an inswinging cross into the penalty area, Daichi Kamada had missed the target following a quick Japan counterattack.
Ivan Perisic, a forward for Croatia, leveled the score 10 minutes into the second half after meeting Dejan Lovren’s cross with a strong header after being denied by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda in the opening minutes.
In the quarterfinals, Croatia will play either Brazil or South Korea.
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