Mario Pasalic scored the winning penalty to send Croatia to the quarter-finals. 📜 Historical Head-to-Head

Japan and Croatia have met three times in World Cup history: : Croatia won 1-0 in the group stage. 2006 : The teams played to a 0-0 draw in the group stage. 2022 : Croatia advanced on penalties (1-1 AET). 🛡️ Defensive Battle

: Ivan Perisic (55') equalised with a powerful header. Penalty Shootout :

In their most significant recent meeting at the , Croatia defeated Japan 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. 🏟️ 2022 FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)

Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was the hero, saving three penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma, and Maya Yoshida.

The match took place on December 5, 2022, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar. : 1-1 (Croatia won 3-1 on penalties). Goals : Japan : Daizen Maeda (43') put Japan ahead before halftime.