For the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, Japan will face Croatia. A single match, in case of a draw, extra time will follow and if necessary, the procedure of penalties. The qualifying team will face the winner of the Brazil-South Korea match in the quarter-finals.
Not even the most optimistic Japan fan would have expected his team's progress in the group stage. With opponents Germany, Spain and Costa Rica, the country of the rising sun finished in 1st place and deservedly qualified for the round of 16 of the tournament.
In the premiere, they surprised by beating Germany 2-1, in the second game they were defeated by Costa Rica 1-0, while in the 3rd and last game against Spain, they only wanted a victory to continue in the competition and they succeeded. Despite the fact that he was behind in the score in the 11th minute, he reacted and with two quick goals at the beginning of the replay, he turned the match around and got the victory - qualification.
Now, having already made the breakthrough, he will look for one more in the quarter-finals, he goes without stress and whatever comes out.
In a rather difficult – as it turned out – group, Croatia left a good impression and finished in 2nd place qualified for the knockout matches of the World Cup.
In the first match, they were held to a goalless draw against Morocco, in the second match they defeated Canada 4-1, while in the 3rd match, having the advantage of playing for two results, they drew 0-0 with Belgium and qualified.
So for another big tournament, Croatia continues in the knockout matches and its goal is to go as far as possible and why not to repeat the success of the World Cup in Russia in 2018 where it reached the grand final.
Japan made a huge surprise in a difficult group by finishing in first place and go into the match with high morale. Croatia for their part may not have impressed with their performance but they are still a team rich in talent. I think we will see an interesting match with many phases and goals from both sides.
Tip: Japan – Croatia GG at odds of 2.00