Japan fought Croatia punch for punch, even excelling in some areas, but failed to pass the final penalty shootout test and failed to move up to the quarter finals in Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup on December 6. Japan, having drawn 1-1 in full time, lost 1-3 in penalties. In the other round of 16 match of the day Brazil toyed with South Korea, beating the Asian team 4-1 to move into the QURTERS. That leaves no more Asian team in this World Cup.
Japan win plaudits
Following a 1-1 stalemate that right in the extra time, Croatia beat Japan 3-1 in the first penalty shootout of the 2022 World Cup, courtesy of Dominik Livakovic’s three saves.
Japan took the lead towards the end of the first half as Daizen Maeda scored from a header. Croatia would also use the same way to equalise, early in the second half. Ivan Perisic scored his 10th goal at major tournaments, surpassing Davor Suker to become Croatia’s top scorer at major events.
Japan narrowly lost its second World Cup Group E game to Costa Rica, but then shocked Spain, one of the favourites to win the tournament with a second 2-1 comeback win.
Brazil crush South Korea
Five-time champions Brazil showcased a performance worthy of their favourites tag to storm into the quarter-finals. Brazil outclassed South Korea 4-1 in their Round of 16 encounter at the Stadium 974 to set up a mouth-watering clash with the 2018 runners-up Croatia, who beat Japan 3-1 on penalties on December 5.
They were ahead after seven minutes when Raphinha’s low cross reached Vinicius Jr and he expertly lifted the ball above the charging goalkeeper and three defenders. Five minutes later it was 2-0 with a Neymar penalty and Richarlison added a brilliant third after a spell of juggling then a razor combination with Marquinhos and Thiago Silva that had Brazil’s delirious fans dancing and neutrals everywhere purring.
Lucas Paqueta volleyed in the fourth after 36 minutes and the five-times champions played the second half as an exhibition, denied more goals only by impressive Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, as they turned their attention to Friday’s quarter-final meeting with Croatia. Korea worked tirelessly and bravely to try to limit the damage and were rewarded for their own attacking efforts when Paik Seung-ho smashed in a brilliant long-range shot beyond Alisson 13 minutes from time.
