Ivan Perisic equalises for Croatia against Japan in FIFA World Cup 2022: Watch

Croatia winger and Tottenham Hotspur left wing-back Ivan Perisic scored the equaliser for Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game against Japan. Perisic dispatched a cross with a brilliant header to put the 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up back on level terms with Japan at the Al Janoub Stadium. 

Watch his goal here.

At the end of 90 minutes and injury time, the match was still tied 1-1 between the two sides. When it went to extra time, Croatia were somewhat vulnerable as captain Luka Modric of Spanish club Real Madrid was subbed off after being drained of energy. 

Croatia held strong, while Japan kept on pushing for a winner, but eventually, the game stayed at a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time.

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When the penalty shootout started, the game could have gone in any direction. However, Croatia, with their experience of playing tournament football and reaching the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, were much stronger when it came to holding the nerves. 

Goalie Dominic Livakovic pulled off four brilliant saves to make sure that the reigning runner’s up go to the next round. Japan players were criticised on social media for taking penalties rather softly making it easy for Livakovic to save. 

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After their win on Monday, Croatia would be facing a ruthless Brazil team that defeated South Korea 4-1 in their Round of 16 clash. With Neymar back in the squad after recovering from an ankle injury he picked up against Serbia, Brazil look formidable and Croatia will have a tough task at hand to make it to the semis.