Dominik Livakovic is a hero. Thanks to his skill during the penalty shootout – 3 saves – the goalkeeper of Dinamo Zagreb allowed Croatia to win after the uncertainty with Japan. Luka Modric’s teammates, the reigning vice-champions of the world, continue on their way to the quarter-finals. Sluggish against Morocco and Belgium (twice 0:0) in the group stage, reactive against Canada (4:1), then Japan, Croatia, without being brilliant, did not give up, as at the 2018 World Cup, where they survived two penalty shootouts (Denmark and Russia), then an extension (England), before stumbling in the final against France (4-2). Thus, on this Monday, they emerged victorious from the trap match. Sluggish success early in the match foreshadowed an easier qualification.
From the first minutes, the Croatians really admire their technique, taking the ball away. After half an hour of play, Japan has only… 17% possession. Rare statistics at this stage of the competition. But Croatia caught the last pass, although they were close to opening the scoring after Tomiyasu’s mistake. The ball is stolen from the Japanese on the right side by Perisic, who rushes down the left flank and hits hard in a sharp corner.
Gonda intervenes but then the ball returns to Kramarić, tripping over three opposing defenders (8′). After several warnings in front of the Japanese gate, the land of the rising sun wakes up at the end of the first act. Kamada penetrates the defense of the Croats, but his right hand misses the target. The second attempt is correct. After a corner taken by the Japanese in three stages, Yoshida at the far post returns to Maeda, who adapts from the left and forces Livakovic (1:0, 43rd place). Goal at the best of times.
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???????????????? Livakovich is a hero!!!
???? Teammates tagged the Croatian goalkeeper after three stops in the TAB session! https://t.co/1tLlCk1THP— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) December 5, 2022
However, Croatia reacted quickly when they returned from the locker room, equalizing with a superb header from 18 meters by Ivan Perisic after an accurate cross from Lovren (1-1, 56th). This is Perisic’s 10th goal in a major tournament (Euro or World Cup). Now he is ahead of Davor Shuker, the author of 9 achievements. The game is suddenly captivating. In the battle, Endo’s long-range strike was brilliantly repulsed by Livkovic. His colleague Gonda imitated him a few minutes later in Luka Modric’s half-strike (63rd). In overtime, Mitoma has a match point, but again Livakovic interferes (103rd). Renne Maier, who replaced Modric, nearly missed his last shot (120 minutes). The two teams can’t decide.
And that is why it is at the end of the penalty shootout that the Croats reach the quarterfinals, where they will meet with Brazil or South Korea. The Japanese are cursed. 4 years ago, Japan took a 2-0 lead with just over 20 minutes left against Belgium in the round of 16 of the World Cup before slipping to a 3-2 loss. This Monday they almost failed for the fourth time after 2002, 2010 and 2018. Terrible!
Source: Le Parisien
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