Croatia deepens into another World Cup

Croatia, still tagged as runners-up, are taking the long road once again. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved three penalty kicks in Croatia’s 3-1 win over Japan in a shootout, securing a return to the quarterfinals.

The historical statistics of the Croats from the penalty spot now have three wins (two in the 2018 World Cup against Denmark and Russia and this one in Qatar against the Japanese).

The match was tied 1-1 after extra time. In their surprise run to the final in Russia four years ago, Croatia needed extra time in every round of the knockout phase, twice going through penalty shootouts.

“History keeps repeating itself,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said. Livakovic was Danijel Subasic’s backup goalkeeper in 2018, but this time he took center stage. He saved Japan’s first penalty from Takumi Minamino, then blocked Kaoru Mitoma’s effort, then again denied Maya Yoshida the goal. Dominik is the first goalkeeper to save the first two penalties of a shootout in World Cup history.

While Croatia – also a semifinalist in 1998 – prepares to face Brazil in the quarterfinals, Japan exits a World Cup in the round of 16 for the fourth time, the same as in 2002, 2010 and 2018.

deportes@eleconomista.mx