In the first half of the game, although Japan did not have as much possession as their opponents, they were more threatening on the counterattack. They were also the first to score. In a brilliant tactical partnership from a corner kick, Yoshida also stretched out his feet on a right cross, only to land in front of Maeda, who fired home from close range.
However, when he came back in the second half, Croatia equalized. Perisic headed in Lovren's cross in the 56th minute. From there, neither side converted and the game went into extra time. After extra time, both teams failed to score and the match went to a penalty shootout. In the penalty shootout, three Japanese players conceded a penalty kick. In the end, they went out.
Right at the last ringing moment, one by one, the Japanese players fell into despair . Kneeling and bowing their heads in extreme frustration. However, despite that they still failed.
This battle also saw Japan brush up against the following records:
1. No chance of making the top 8 in the World Cup for the first time, creating the best World Cup record in the team's history, after 6 previous World Cup appearances where Japan stopped in the round of 16.
2. Become the third Asian team to reach the last eight after North Korea and South Korea.
3. There is no chance of tying the number of Asian teams that have participated in the World Cup as non-hosts, the last being North Korea in 1966.
4. Failed to set a new record for World Cup wins in team history.
5. For the first time in the history of World Cup encounters, there is no chance to beat Croatia.
6. Failed to win three consecutive European teams in a single World Cup, setting a new record in team history.
7. did not end Croatia's undefeated World Cup overtime record.
