World Cup 2022 highlights: Croatia defeats Japan on PKs, 3-1
The 2022 FIFA World Cup continued Monday on FOX with Croatia defeating Japan in a wild knockout-stage game at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar that was decided by penalty kicks after a hard-fought battle.
With the win, Croatia — led by world-class midfielder Luka Modrić — has advanced to the next round.
There is one more quarterfinal spot up for grabs Monday, as Brazil faces South Korea next (11 a.m. ET, FOX). The winner will advance to play Croatia in the quarterfinals, which begin Friday, Dec. 9.
Here are the top plays!
8': Early opportunities
Japan's Shogo Taniguchi took a shot right out of the gate to set the tone, bit his header missed just to the left.
Then, a few minutes later, Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda denied Ivan Perišić to keep things scoreless.
41': What could have been
Daichi Kamada was this close to putting Japan ahead, but things remained scoreless as the first half winded down.
43': Goal!
Then, just ahead of the break, Japan got on the board thanks to a smooth shot from Daizen Maeda.
Japan's Daizen Maeda scores goal vs. Croatia in 43'
55': Knotted up
After his attempt earlier in the match was saved, Perišić — assisted by Dejan Lovren with a cross — connected with the net in the second half with this header to tie the game near the one-hour mark.
Croatia's Ivan Perišić scores goal vs. Japan in 55'
57': Anyone's game
Croatia keeper Dominik Livaković came up with the big-time save to keep things tied midway through the second half.
62': Returning the favor
Minutes later, Japan's Gonda answered with a crucial save of his own to keep Croatia from taking the lead.
Things remained tied at the end of regulation, sending the match to extra time.
120'+1'" No quit
Croatia nearly had the game-winning shot in the final moments of extra time, but it was wide, and things headed to penalty kicks to decide the winner.
Penalty kicks:
Croatia started by converting its first two penalty kicks, while Japan struggled to connect.
In the end, Croatia outlasted Japan, winning 3-1 on PKs to advance to the next round.
Check out every kick below:
Read more from the World Cup:
- Best of the World Cup so far: Top goal, save, player, team and more
- Quick guide to surviving penalty-kick shootouts at World Cup
- World Cup turning into a superstar showcase as bracket narrows
- World Cup 2022 odds: Lines for remaining teams to win in Qatar
- Matt Turner reflects on Netherlands loss: ‘We left something on the table’
- ‘I’ve given it everything': Tim Ream knows his World Cup door is likely closed
- For USA, the focus now shifts to 2026 World Cup
- USMNT optimistic about future: ‘We can be giants eventually’
- Christian Pulisic's greatness shouldn't be expected to patch USA's most glaring hole
- Even after painful knockout, U.S. players take moment to appreciate World Cup journey
- World Cup Daily: USA's journey ends, while Messi's magic continues
- U.S. has no answer for Dutch leading man Denzel Dumfries
- ‘It’s a somber mood now': U.S. reflects on opportunity squandered vs. Netherlands
- USA ousted from World Cup as Netherlands rolls, 3-1
- Three takeaways as U.S. can't seize moment in World Cup loss
- Stu Holden's top 50 players at the World Cup
Check out the full schedule for the World Cup and how to watch each match live here.
