One of the surprise group stage teams feature on Monday and these Japan vs. Croatia predictions suggest it could be a closer game than some people might think.
Japan vs. Croatia odds
1 – The draw – 11/5
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 8/13
3 – Both teams not to score – 3/4
4 – Croatia to qualify – 8/15
5 – Croatia to win on penalties – 17/2
Japan’s progress to the round of 16 has been one of the stories of the World Cup. Not many had the Samurai Blue qualifying for the knockout stages from a group that also included Spain and Germany. But after beating both of them, Hajime Moriyasu’s side now face Croatia.
It was an incredible defensive performance that saw Japan past Spain on Thursday and we may well see the same kind of tactics here. They were able to capitalize on the few chances they made in that game, but this one could go into extra time – and possibly penalties.
The draw looks like a good bet for this one because of Japan’s defensive strength and it is unlikely that we will see too many goals at the Al Janoub Stadium either.
Croatia have made it this far thanks to two goalless draws either side of the 4-1 thrashing of Canada. It would not be a surprise to see Zlatko Dalić’s team quite happy to keep Japan at arm’s length here too, so the draw at 90 minutes seems like good value.
There is a lot of experience in the Croatia squad and they know exactly what it takes to go far in this tournament, after reaching the final in Russia four years ago. Many predicted that would be the end of the side’s success, as some players retired. But they have shown in Qatar that they can still do a good job.
If it does go all the way to extra time and penalties, expect Croatia’s nerves to hold and end the dreams of a Japan side that has enchanted fans all around the world.
How to stream Japan vs. Croatia
Japan vs. Croatia will be shown by national television broadcasters and will be available online around the world.
Japan vs. Croatia last five matches
Japan last five matches
Croatia last five matches
Japan top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 0 |
Croatia top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Japan vs. Croatia line-ups
Japan (3-4-3): Gonda; Yoshida, Taniguchi, Ito; Nagatomo, Tanaka, Morta, Ito; Kamada, Doan, Kubo
Croatia (4-3-3): Livaković; Juranović, Gvardiol, Lovren, Sosa; Kovačić, Brozović, Modrić; Perišić Petković, Kramarić
Japan team news
Hajime Moriyasu could go with the 3-4-3 formation that worked so well against Spain for this one. But it will look more like a 5-4-1 most of the time if they are forced to defend in the same way. He has changed around the starting XI throughout this tournament but will be forced to replace Ko Itakura here after he picked up a second yellow card. Ritsu Dōan may get a start against Croatia after impressing as a sub so far.
Croatia team news
Zlatko Dalić will rely on a familiar starting XI and will be quite patient as his Croatia team look to break through a stubborn Japanese defence. There could be a change up front though. Bruno Petković looked livelier than Marko Livaja when he came on with half an hour to play against Belgium and could be rewarded with a start on Monday.