Japan will head into the World Cup round of 16 against Croatia high in confidence after conquering the “group of death” when the two sides meet at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah on Monday evening.
The Japanese side come into this encounter after this finished top of the Group E standings after clinching two wins against Germany and Spain, while suffering a defeat to Costa Rico.
Croatia, meanwhile, made their way to this stage of the competition after they finish second in Group F, with one win against Canada and two draws against Morocco and Belgium.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu: “We are going to show the Japanese spirit and pride and we are going to counter our opponents, fight our opponents.
“I hope that the players will play in such a way that they inspire the Japanese people then they keep inspiring other people.”
The two teams have met twice at the World Cup before with the first match ending in a 1-0 win in favour of Croatia back in 1998 before they played out a goalless draw in 2006.
Hajime Moriyasu is only expected to be without Ko Itakura after picking up two yellow cards in the group stages, while Zlatko Dalić will have his entire squad fit and ready for the encounter.
Ritsu Dōan was the standout performer for Japan during the group stages as his two goals helped his side not only advance to the knockout stages but finish top of their respective group.
Ivan Perišić has played an instrumental role in helping Croatia secure their progression to the last 16 after chipping in with a brace of assists in their win over Canada to hand them their only win in the group stages.
Japan’s World Cup Form:
WLW
Croatia’s World Cup Form:
DWD