Round of 16 - Japan 1-2(p) Croatia - Monday 5th December, 2022

[Stan]

Kick-off 15.00 (GMT)

          VS     

Venue - Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah

[Toinho]

Honestly - I haven’t watched either team play yet so really not sure. Would love a Japan win though. 

[Stan]

16 minutes ago, Toinho said:

Honestly - I haven’t watched either team play yet so really not sure. Would love a Japan win though. 

If Japan can take the approach and attitude from their Germany/Spain wins, then I'd back them to overcome Croatia.

I know Croatia needed to only avoid defeat against Belgium, who were shite, but they struggled against Morocco too. Canada were very open so the game was there for the taking, but Japan seem to have more discipline and stronger shape. I think it'll be a close, narrow game regardless.

 

[Michael]

Usually I'd tip Croatia to win this one, but with the way Japan have been playing, I think that this will be quite a balanced encounter.

[Mel81x+]

Think Japan edge past Croatia here. When I watched Croatia play Belgium there was a certain lack of finishing power up top and Japan have a defensive unit that can play very good when they are challenged to do so.

The real question for Japan is what version of their team shows up on the day. They are prone to a lot of errors in their midfield game and forcing situations that really don't need to be forced. If Croatia score more than a goal in the first half it will be very hard for Japan to recover.  

[ASF]

Would love to see another upset by Japan, but I think that Croatia's experience will prevail in the end.

0-1

[6666]

Everything's gone as expected in the round of 16 so far. Would be nice to get at least one upset. Croatia are a smart side though and they'll be favourites but can't count out this Japan side. Hopefully Japan actually start the game well this time rather than rely on the bench to save then again.

[El Profesor]

On 02/12/2022 at 10:01, Mel81x said:

Think Japan edge past Croatia here. When I watched Croatia play Belgium there was a certain lack of finishing power up top and Japan have a defensive unit that can play very good when they are challenged to do so.

The real question for Japan is what version of their team shows up on the day. They are prone to a lot of errors in their midfield game and forcing situations that really don't need to be forced. If Croatia score more than a goal in the first half it will be very hard for Japan to recover.  

I agree, I also think Japan will win this one. 

Croatia is a good team but most of their players are big and slow. IMO they won't be able to match Japan's energy. 

[Pyfish+]

Hoping for a good game!

[Stan]

Think Perisic could/should have squared that or cut it back. Too tight an angle to deceive the keeper and score. 

[Mel81x+]

Japan are harrying here. This could be a good thing in the long run. One of those low crosses is going to find a foot eventually.

[Stan]

2nd time Croatia have got in behind and then made the wrong decision.

Petkovic almost blind to the fact he had a strike partner busting a gut waiting for the cross.

[Mel81x+]

These missed chances are going to hurt Croatia in the end.

[Stan]

Very even game - Jenas, surprisingly, made a good point in that it'll probably remain cagey or 'go the distance' into extra-time because the attacking quality of both sides leaves a lot to be desired.

Both sides have a lot of the ball in midfield. 

[Mel81x+]

Well that's a defensive fuck-up.

[Mel81x+]

One-Punch-Man scores a goal. He's been very lively today, just jumps on every opportunity.

[Stan]

GOAL JAPAN!!!!

Maeda picks up on a ball bouncing in the box after a well-worked corner. 

[Pyfish+]

That was a fantastic ball into the box!

[Mel81x+]

This Japanese team has learned from its mistakes. Against Spain they were simply being dragged around and not really applying pressure and while Croatia is slower compared to the Spaniards you have to admire the work ethic on display here. Some of the recoveries from lost positions has been a great watch. 

[Stan]

What a header by Perisic! And what a cross in! 

[Mel81x+]

Now we have a game. Great goal by Perisic

[Pyfish+]

Extra time it is!

[Stan]

Croatia love extra time

 

[Mel81x+]

If you're Japan you throw everything at them now. So many tired legs out there something will give.

[Devil]

Croatia struggling in attack, simply not got a top level striker.

I also think both sides look shattered.