Not many could have predicted that Japan would beat both Spain and Germany to beat Group E in qualifying for the knockouts. But the team has been so impressive that not many people would now raise their eyebrows if the Samurai Blue advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time in its history when they play against Croatia – the 2018 World Cup finalist – in the Round of 16 at Al Janoub Stadium today at 10 a.m. ET
Croatia is a team that is undefeated in nine of the last ten World Cup matches. The only defeat in that run came in Russia four years ago, when a Kylian Mbappé-inspired France secured a 4-2 victory in the final.
Meanwhile, Japan has never progressed beyond the round of 16, losing in 2002, 2010 and 2018.
Defender Yuto Nagatomo said memories of the defeat to Belgium four years ago, when Japan squandered a 2-0 lead and lost to an injury-time goal, will float the players this time.
“I have never forgotten that fight against Belgium. Sometimes scenes from the game suddenly come to mind and the last four years have been really tough,” the full-back told reporters on Sunday. “But I think we’ve grown both mentally and physically and… as far as I can tell, this team is the best and strongest team ever to compete for Japan at the World Cup.”
Since 1997, Japan and Croatia have played each other three times, with Japan winning a friendly 4–3 but losing to Croatia in the group stage in France 1998. At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the two teams drew 0–0.
Croatia is a possession based team, which could suit Japan well as it beat Germany and Spain with 17.7% and 26.1% possession respectively.
Japan “will apply the philosophy of the samurai warrior. We also. If we want to progress, we have to keep that same attitude, do our best and never underestimate anyone,” said coach Zlatko Dalić. “Japan has the least possession in the world, but they are making a great transition. This is the most persistent , stubborn opponent . They just don’t give up. We have a similar mentality, Japan and Croatia. We’re on an equal footing.”