Match 53: Japan (E1) vs. Croatia (F2)

In.

 

3 matches, 1 victory, 1 draw, 1 defeat, goal difference 4:4

 

Who is that? Are you referring to the teams in this thread?

Japan has two wins and one loss.

Croatia has a win and two draws.

 

He refers to the H2H stats in clashes between these two nations.

 

Okay well, to give the matches some context,

1. 1997 Kirin Cup, Japan 4 Croatia 3

2. 1998 World Cup: Croatia 1 Japan 0

3. 2006 World Cup: Croatia 0 Japan 0.

So first meeting in 16 years.

 

https://saturdays.substack.com/p/the-big-croatia-japan-preview

One of the most balanced R16 games there is, looks quite 50/50.
Can Japan play their best players? Weird substition patterns so far have not been ideal, they need their best guys now: Asano/Doan/Mitoma is who I am talking about.
who will be on the end of Croatia chances?
can Japan's counters get going?

 

Today I'll be supporting S. Korea and Japan

 

An advanced monkey-based simulation of tonight's Japan vs. Croatia match has determined that Japan will win 3-1 and advance to the next round of the World Cup: pic.twitter.com/zM7Ge9rC5e

— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) December 5, 2022

 

That Japanese keeper was amazing

 

Is it fair to say Croatia is skilled on the ball but slow of foot? Something Japan can try and exploit?

 

Good way to break your leg, keeper

 

Japan has nice counter attacks

 

I see Japan maeda goal...

 

Croatia needs to pick it up. No imagination thus far. Looking old and slow.

Meanwhile, the Blue Lock Project continues.

 

Croatia needs some changes upfront maybe Majer or Pasalic

 

Good 1st half by Japan. Entertaining and incisive, Japan will hopefully remain focused in the 2nd half as well. One thing they should avoid is giving up on their counters.

 

The slightly better team deservedly in front.
Japan deadly on counter, Croatia somewhat uncreative.

Will Croatia manage to equalize before Japan puts them to the katana?

 

Some people must be watching a different game.

Japan has been better all over the pitch so far.

 

Well deserved goal of Japan. Japan is clearly the better team. So far Croatia has been the weakest opponent that Japan faced in this World Cup. Even Costa Rica offered more than this Croatian team