Dominik Livakovic became Croatia’s newest World Cup hero on Monday as they defeated Japan 3-1 from the penalty spot to defeat Japan after a tiresome 1-1 draw at Al Janoub Stadium.
Livakovic, Croatia’s goalkeeper, turned away penalty kicks from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma, and Maya Yoshida to advance Croatia to the quarterfinals.
Danijel Subasic had also saved three penalties in a last-16 shootout during Croatia’s run to the final in Russia four years ago, and Croatia has now won each of their three World Cup knockout ties that have gone all the way.
The result was a little harsh on Japan, who had led through Daizen Maeda before Ivan Perisic equalized, although neither side impressed ahead of a meeting with either Brazil or South Korea in the next round.
An entertaining start was not an indicator of what was to come. Shogo Taniguchi headed wide at one end and Perisic was denied at the other, but there was not another clear-cut chance until the opener two minutes before half-time.
Ritsu Doan’s cross following a short corner reached the center of the area, where Maya Yoshida’s attempt at a shot succeeded instead in teeing up Maeda for a close-range finish.
Croatia had not looked like crafting a goal of their own, but they were level 10 minutes after the restart when Perisic met Dejan Lovren’s delivery with a superb header into the bottom-right corner.
Although Ante Budimir soon nodded off target, opportunities remained scarce and Lovro Majer dragged wide with the final kick of extra time to condemn the tie to penalties.
Livakovic kept out Japan’s first two attempts, with his save from Mitoma particularly impressive, and Croatia could ease through even with Marko Livaja clipping a dreadful effort against the post.
Playing 120 minutes was nothing new for Croatia, having now seen seven of their past eight knockout games at major tournaments go to extra time. Each of their three wins before the final four years ago came after playing an additional period.
Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Perisic had all been substituted by the end, but Croatia yet again found a way.