Croatia reach quarter-finals after beating Japan on penalties

Goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic saved three penalties as Croatia beat Japan 3-1 in penalty shootout to qualify for the World Cup’s quarter-finals for the third time after the 120-minute contest ended 1-1 on Monday.

Croatia go through to the Quarter-finals on penalties! 🇭🇷@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 5, 2022

Livakovic became Croatia’s hero after parrying Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida spot-kicks before Mario Pasalic netted the winning penalty.

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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 Livakovic to parry away his powerful shot.

Daichi Kamada also went close after a flowing Japan counter-attack soon 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 striker Ivan Perisic, who was denied by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda in the opening minutes, leveled the score 10 minutes into the second half after heading in Dejan Lovren’s cross.

Croatia will face either Brazil or South Korea for a place in the semi-finals.