Japan vs Croatia result: European nation through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout

Croatia are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar after beating Japan on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

For large parts of the first half, Japan were looking to hit Croatia on the counterattack and were faster in possession compared to their opponents.

They had an early opportunity to take the lead in the 2nd minute of the match when an inch-perfect cross found Shogo Taniguchi, whose header flew narrowly wide of the left post.

In the 40th minute of the match, Daichi Kamada weaved through the Croatia defence with ease and found himself in a great position in front of goal, but his effort went over the bar in what was one of Japan’s best chances to take the lead.

Japan eventually went ahead in the match when Daizen Maeda pounced on a loose ball inside the 18-yard box to tap his shot past Dominik Livakovic from close range.

Croatia, meanwhile, managed to control the ball but very rarely offered much of an attacking threat in the opening 45 minutes.

Ivan Perisic had a great chance to give his nation the lead after he ran onto a woeful backpass from Takehiro Tomiyasu. Having taken his time to pick his spot, his effort was then wonderfully saved by Shuichi Gonda.

Croatia came back fighting in the second half and unlike the first period of the game, they looked more of an attacking threat.

In the 56th minute, they made it count when Perisic guided home a wonderful header into the bottom right-hand corner to get his nation level in the match.

Gaps began to open for Croatia as Japan tired in the game, with Perisic having a chance to give his side the lead, but the ball was eventually cleared by a Japanese defender.

With the two teams failing to score a winner, the match went to extra time.

Japan had the best opportunity in the extra 30 minutes when Kaoru Mitoma beat his marker and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the area, only for his shot to be saved by Livakovic.

But the match eventually went to penalties and Japan missed three of their spot kicks, sending Croatia through to the next round of the tournament in Qatar.

Ivan Perisic has scored more goals at World Cups and European Championships combined than any other Croatia player (10).

Although he was on the losing side, the Japanese central midfielder put in an outstanding performance in the middle of the park for his nation.

He was everywhere in the game and has also been one of Japan’s standout players throughout the entire tournament.

As well as making four key passes and creating two big chances, Endo won six ground duels, three aerial duels, made five clearances and two tackles.

It was a great performance from the 29-year-old.

What does this mean?

The result means Croatia will progress to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, while Japan exit the tournament and miss out on making it into the last eight for the first time in their history.

A place in the quarter-finals has now been confirmed for Croatia and they will play the winners of the match between South Korea and Brazil.

The match will take place on Friday, December 9, with kick-off being at 3pm GMT/6pm LT.