Japan's fairytale run has come to an end at the hands of Croatia in the Round of 16, as they lose to the Red and Whites on penalties. The Croatian side has marched into the last 16.
Japan dominated the early game and missed quite a few chances before Daizen Maeda gave them the lead in the 44th minute.
Read More: Qatar World Cup: Are Brazil and Japan favourites to meet in quarterfinals?
Croatia came back stronger in the second half and found their equalizer through veteran Ivan Perisic's header in the 55th minute. The game eventually ended at 1-1.
The game moved on to penalties, where Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic proved himself to be the man of the match as he saved three Japanese penalties to ensure Croatia progressed to the quarterfinals.
Key Performances
Daizen Maeda: The Japanese striker gave his nation the lead in the 44th minute before being subbed off.
Ivan Perisic: The stalwart of the Croatian game took the game to extra time with his headed goal right after half-time.
Dominik Livakovic: The hero of Croatia. He saved three penalties in the shootout to put Croatia through to the quarterfinals.
Read More: Unpredictable FIFA World Cup 2022: What we can expect more in the knockout rounds
Aftermath
Croatia have moved on to the quarterfinals after beating Japan on penalties, where they will either play Brazil or South Korea to determine who will go through to the semis.
The Samurai Blue will have to go home after their mesmerizing run to the Round of 16, a run that saw them earn the love and respect of millions around the globe.