The Modrić Magic was seen in the Al Janoub Stadium as Croatia supporters continuously cheered their team. However, the first half of the match can be called a period of missed opportunities for both Japan and Croatia. Daizen Maeda from Japan was the first to bring the match’s opening goal. It was also the first time in the FIFA World Cup 2022 that Japan fetched the first goal in any match. Japan’s (first) goal energised the Japan supporters 43 minutes down the game when half-time knocked at the door.
Previously the media covered the tidiness of Japan’s audience in every match as they stayed back to clean up the galleries. It was an eye-opener for the world about how important cleanliness is. But, the Japan football team needed more tidiness in their game today. Japan owned the first, but Poland seized their thunder in the second.
Ivan Perišić from the Croatia Football team secured a goal 55 minutes into the match. Croatia had more possession in the game, with a figure of [60%] while Japan had [40%]. The betting odds were all set, and fans betting on FIFA had divided opinions about the match result. The Poland team was also leading in pass accuracy and passes. In the match, the Japan team avoided yellow and red cards, which was a delight, while Mateo Kovačić from Poland got the first and last yellow card.
Tensions rose in the four additional minutes as the 12th-ranked Croatia relentlessly fought with 24th-ranked Japan. But the draw was inevitable to break till the end of full-time by either of the teams. Soon, the two 15 minute halves of extra time followed to find the winner in the Round of 16 matches. But, in the tie-breaker, Mateo Kovačić, goalkeeper of Croatia, saved three goals, and Croatia won in the penalties 3-1.
