Croatia beat Japan on penalties to succeed in World Cup quarter-finals

Croatia goalkeeper Dominic Kivakovic saved penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida earlier than Mario Pasalic netted the successful spot-kick of their 3-1 shootout win over Japan on Monday to succeed in the World Cup quarter-finals.

With the scores deadlocked at 1-1 after an absorbing 90 minutes, Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma went closest within the scrappy half-hour of additional time, forcing Kivakovic to parry away his highly effective drive.

Daichi Kamada had shot astray after a flowing Japan counter-attack minutes earlier than Daizen Maeda deservedly put them forward within the forty third minute, firing dwelling from shut vary after Ritsu Doan delivered an in-swinging cross into the penalty space.

Croatia ahead Ivan Perisic, who was denied by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda within the opening minutes, pulled them degree 10 minutes into the second half after assembly Dejan Lovren’s cross with a strong header.

Croatia will face both Brazil or South Korea within the quarter-finals.