2022 FIFA World Cup R-16 Croatia v Japan: Preview, Team News, Possible Line Ups, and Prediction


2022 FIFA World Cup R-16 Croatia v Japan: Preview, Team News, Possible Line Ups, and Prediction

Japan Vs Croatia

Japan defeated the 2014 World cup champion Germany in their first group match in Qatar. The famous win was named “The Miracle of Doha,”. Super substitutions by Hajime Moriyasu made the difference for the Samurai blues. The players came off the bench to score the winners for the Japanese, not just in the Germany game but also in their last match of the group that saew the defeat of the mighty Spain game. They topped the “The Group Of Death” in this year’s tournament while eliminating the Germans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Defeating the champions and losing to Costa Rica was something pretty much unexpected that has happened a lot in this World Cup. On the other hand, Croatia had an easy win against Canada despite conceding the fastest goal of the World Cup so far. They finished with draws against both Belgium and Morocco, confirming their qualification with 5 points in the group. Last-time runner-up will be expecting a better finish to the tournament.

Also read: “Better striker overtakes worse striker”- Fans react as Olivier Giroud overtakes Thierry Henry to become France’s leading goal scorer

2022 FIFA World Cup Japan Vs Croatia: Team news

No injuries have been reported from the Croatian dugout, and every player’s fitness is on point. Manager Zlatko Dalic has primarily throughout the tournaments stuck to his trusted deputies throughout. Because of this, only a minimal rotation has been observed. Hopefully, the same lineup used against the European giants Belgium will again be seen on the pitch versus Japan.

ADVERTISEMENT

Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal has been dealing with niggling injuries that have ruptured his appearances in the tournament along with Hiroki Sakai. He returned to the field in the second half during the Spain game but cannot be risked with game time considering his fitness. Veteran Sakai may make it to the bench as well.

Read More: 2022 FIFA World Cup R-16 France vs Poland: Preview, Team News, Possible Line Ups, and Prediction

2022 FIFA World Cup Japan Vs Croatia: Possible lineup

Croatia (4-3-3):

  Livakovic;

ADVERTISEMENT

Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa;

Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic;

Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic.

Japan (3-4-3):

ADVERTISEMENT

 Gonda;

Tomiyasu, Yoshida, H Ito;

J Ito, Endo, Tanaka, Nagatomo;

Doan, Asano, Kamada.

ADVERTISEMENT

2022 FIFA World Cup Japan Vs Croatia: prediction

Japan has been unpredictable in the tournament. Former champions and European giants Spain and Germany fell before them with ceded possession and fast counter-attacks. On the other hand, Croatia possesses technical qualities and will be hard to break through since they sit a bit deeper. Considering unpredictability and the nature of this year’s World Cup, Japan could win 2-1.

Also Read: 2022 FIFA World Cup R-16 England vs Senegal: Preview, Team News, Possible Line Ups, and Prediction

Also Read: 2022 FIFA World Cup R16 England vs Senegal: Live Stream, Match Timings, and Preview