Ukpono Anietie, PH
Croatia have defeated Japan 3-1 on penalty shootout to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup quarter finals.
Croatia became the first team in this year’s FIFA World Cup to qualify to the quarter finals through penalty shootout.
Croatia goalkeeper, Dominik Livaković was the hero of the night as he made a hat-trick of saves to make sure Croatia made it to the quarter finals.
Japan’s Daizen Maeda opened the scoring in the 44th minute to put them ahead.
Japan’s lead only lasted for 11 minutes before Ivan Perisic of Croatia restored parity in the 55th minute with a powerful header.
Both teams forced the game to extra time for the first time in this world cup, but the game was decided on penalty shootout.
The Vatreni of Croatia are no push over when it comes to penalty shoot out.
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They hold several records of wins during penalty play.
In 2018 Round of 16, they won Denmark 3-2 on penalties.
In 2018 Quarter-final, they won Russia 4-2 on penalties.
In 2018 Semi-final, they won England in extra-time.
This year, the Croatian team extended their penalty shootout records against the Sumarai Blues of Japan, proving yet again their consistent wins.
Croatia will face the winner of Brazil versus South Korea when they play later tonight.
