Japan vs Croatia LIVE! World Cup 2022 Match Stream, Latest Team News, Lineups, TV, Predictions Today
Japan will be looking to add another famous scalp this afternoon to an already remarkable World Cup run against 2018 finalists Croatia. While Spain and Germany have already gone to the sword, a place in the quarter-finals is now up for grabs. The Samurai Blue have never reached the quarter-finals.
Croatia are a seasoned veteran though, with a midfield of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic and the versatile Ivan Perisic patrolling the flank, meaning little will phase them in the last 16. a place in the last eight would only be their third in history.
The winner will face the winner between Brazil and South Korea, who will play later in the day in Doha. Follow the match LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert news and analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at Al Janoub Stadium.
Live updates
Japan XI
As expected, Tomisayi enters.
Dalic: Croatia are the real underdogs here
Croatia remain unbeaten as they finish second in Group F behind Morocco and coach Zlatko Dalic is keen to underline his country’s underdog status.
Their opponents, Japan, steal and dominate Group E after beating Germany and Spain, and are seen by some as brave contenders despite a home crowd more than 32 times larger than Croatia.
“If you look at the fact that among the 16 countries that qualified for the next round, Croatia has by far the smallest population,” Dalic said.
“We are a small country, but we dream big. We want to win and will do our best.
Modric sticks around
It won’t be the last time we see Luka Modric in a Croatia shirt, coach Zlatko Dalic has said.
Modric is 37 years old and has played over 150 games for his country. It’s his ninth major tournament, but Dalic sees no reason for it to be his last.
“I repeat, whatever I say about Luka Modric will not be enough,” he said. “I said everything I could, I hope he stays healthy. I’m sure it’s not his last competition for Croatia, he will be part of this team for years to come. come.
“His fitness, his professionalism and his attitude give us the right to think that way. He is a very important part of our team. »
Score Prediction: Samurai Blue Story
It is difficult to look beyond Japan, as they have been able to rise to the challenge of this World Cup.
Japan won 2-1.
Croatia team news: defenders are sick
For Croatia, left-back Borna Sosa could be sidelined with illness, while defender Josip Stanisic has a muscle issue. Otherwise, manager Zlatko Dalic should be given a full squad to choose from.
Japan team news: Tomiyasu looking to start
Hiroki Sakai and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both expected to be fit for Japan today, although Ko Itakura is suspended and there is doubt over Takefusa Kubo’s injury.
How to watch
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free and live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 2.30pm.
Direct: Fans can also watch the match live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the Evening Standard’s live coverage of the World Cup Round of 16 clash between Japan and Croatia.
Japan have never reached the quarter-finals, while Croatia are looking to emulate at least their second-place finish from four years ago.
Kick-off at the Al Janoub stadium is given at 15:00 GMT. Stay with us.
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