The 2022 FIFA World Cup resumed on FOX on Monday, with Croatia beating Japan in a wild knockout match at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar that was decided on penalties after a hard fought battle.
The win sees Croatia – led by world-class midfielder Luka Modrić – through to the next round.
There’s another Quarterfinal spot up for grabs on Monday when Brazil take on South Korea next (11am ET, FOX). The winner plays Croatia in the quarter-finals, which begins on Friday 9 December.
Here are the top games!
Croatia 1(3), Japan 1
8′: Early chances
Japan’s Shogo Taniguchi fired straight from the goal to set the tone, but missed his header just to the left.
Then, a few minutes later, Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda prevented Ivan Perišić from scoring.
41′: What could have been
Daichi Kamada came so close to putting Japan ahead but they remained goalless towards the end of the first half.
43′: Goal!
Then, just before the break, Japan came into play thanks to a clean shot from Daizen Maeda.
Japan’s Daizen Maeda scores goal against Croatia in 43′
55′: Knotted
After his attempt was saved early in the game, Perišić – assisted by Dejan Lovren with a cross – hit the net with that header in the second half to level the game near the hour mark.
Croatia’s Ivan Perišić scores goal against Japan in 55′
57′: Everyone’s game
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković equalized with a great save midway through the second half.
62′: Revenge
Minutes later, Japan’s Gonda responded with a crucial save to prevent Croatia from taking the lead.
At the end of regulation time, there was a draw, so the game went into overtime.
120’+1′” No exit
Croatia almost had the winning shot in the final moments of extra time, but missed the goal and it went to penalties to decide the winner.
Penalties shoot:
Croatia started converting their first two penalties while Japan struggled to catch up.
In the end, Croatia overtook Japan and beat PKs 3-1 to advance to the next round.
Check out each kick below:
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