FIFA World Cup 2022: Round of 16- Blue Samurais crash out after poor penalty shoot out against Croatia ends sensational campaign

FIFA World Cup 2022 (Image source: Twitter)

Japan have probably had the toughest of campaigns so far. Named into the group of death with Germany and Spain, the Asian team defeated both the footballing giants and moved into the Round of 16 as group toppers. In the Round of 16 they were paired up with 2018 World Cup winner Croatia. Let's look at how the game played out.

Japan vs Croatia (1-1)

Croatia having been familiar with Japan's sensational run in this year's campaign began this match with caution. Soon however they found their footing in the game as they started to dictate the pace of the match. Japan however came with a plan to hit Croatia on the counter and that is what they did.

After the game remained goalless for the majority of the first half, Japan took the lead in the 43rd minute as Daizen Maeda latched onto a loose ball after corner to give Japan a lead. The Asian team then defended the score and ended the first half 1-0.

Croatia however were not easy to die down as they came up with resurgent energy and leveled the scoring after veteran Ivan Perisic thumped a header into the net in the 53rd minute. After then, however, both teams showcased great defensive football to keep the score 1-1 in 90 minutes and took the game into extra time.

Penalty Shoot out( 1-3)

Even the extra time failed to separate the two teams and as a result of it, the game went into the penalty shoot-out. Japan started off first but failed to convert three of their four penalties, giving Croatia an easy way into the quarterfinal.

Croatia who lost in 2014 FIFA World Cup final have kept their hopes of a World Cup win alive as they now move into the quaterfinals in Qatar.