Dominik Livakovic became the figurehead for Croatia by saving three penalties against Japan

Dominik Livakovic put on the hero cape of the Croatian team at the Qatar 2022 World Cup against Japan and thus advanced to the quarterfinals. After both teams equalized (1-1) in 90 minutes and the result remained in overtime, the penalty shootout came and the goalkeeper saved three shots.

Takumi Minamimo started the ‘Russian roulette’, but the Croatian goalkeeper contained without problems. Then Nikola Vlasic hit his shot to put the European team ahead and, once again, the figure of the goalkeeper appeared, as he reached out to prevent Kaoru Mitoma’s goal.

Then Marcelo Brozovic scored the second goal, while Takuma Asano was the only Japanese to break Dominik Livakovic’s stamina on penalties. It was Marko Livaja’s turn, but he sent his shot to the crossbar and the audience from the Asian team was excited, but the joy was short-lived.

Maya Yoshida fired, however, the Croatian goalkeeper shined again and the classification was at the feet of Mario Pasalic. The midfielder defeated the resistance of the Japanese goal with a strong shot and thus, his team went to the quarterfinals.

Now, the squad led by Zlatko Dalić will play this Friday, December 9 at the Education City Stadium with the main objective of continuing to advance and reach the final as Russia 2018. Their rival will come out of the winner of the key between Brazil and South Korea.