In the pre-quarterfinal match of the ongoing Football World Cup in Qatar, Croatia defeated Japan on penalty shootout after a thrilling contest.
Japan took the lead in the 43rd minute through Daisen Maeda, which was equalized by Croatia’s Ivan Perisic in the 55th minute.
The match was tied at one goal apiece at full time and a 30-minute extra time was given to decide.
Even in the extra time, the match was equal to one, after which the match was decided on a penalty shootout.
Both teams were given 4, 4 penalties. It was Croatia’s first turn on the penalty and Nikola Vlasic scored. In the penalty shootout, Croatia found the net three times, while Japan managed only one goal.
Thus, Croatia won the match 1-3 on penalty shootout and made it to the quarter finals.
With this defeat, Asian team Japan’s journey in the World Cup ended, Japan’s performance in this World Cup was excellent. During the tournament, Japan also defeated the World Cup winning teams Spain and Germany.
