Japan lost to Croatia after missing three of their four penalties in shootout. There are lessons for the Samurai Blue to learn, but other than that, the team has good reasons to be proud of themselves for holding the FIFA World Cup runs-up at 1-1 in 120 minutes.
Like four years ago in Russia, Croatia began their knockout stage competitions with an extra time win. The last time they did so, the team reached the World Cup final.
Whatever expectations South Korea had before Monday's game, Brazil spent 35 minutes convincing them to think again, with four goals and a lot of samba dancing.
Brazil defeated Croatia in both their meetings at the World Cup before, the latest being in 2014. Will there be a difference this time?
Players of Japan look on after losing to Croatia over penalties in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game at Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar, December 5, 2022. /CFP
Goalkeeper Livakovic of Croatia blocks the penalty by Takumi Minamino of Japan in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game at Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar, December 5, 2022. /CFP
Neymar (C) of Brazil shoots to score a penalty in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game against South Korea at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, December 5, 2022. /CFP
Players of South Korea look on after the 4-1 loss to Brazil in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, December 5, 2022. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Josh McNally
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei