Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan put in a valiant performance against Croatia in their last 16 clash but they were undone on penalties despite Daizen Maeda’s opener. Maeda deservedly put Japan ahead in the first half as they dreamt of reaching their first-ever quarter-finals at the World Cup but an equaliser from Ivan Perisic levelled the scores in the second half. Despite defeating both Germany and Spain at the group stage, Japan couldn’t book a place in the last eight after suffering the first defeat on penalties at this year’s World Cup to the 2018 finalists. Dominik Livakovic was the hero for the European outfit as he made three penalty saves in the shootout to help put Croatia into the quarter-finals. So, here’s our Japan player ratings for their heartbreaking defeat against Croatia.
Japan 3-4-3:
Shuichi Gonda – 7
Made a stop to deny Perisic in the first forty five but couldn’t do much about his equalizer. Did make a fine save to deny an threatening effort from range by Luka Modric around the hour mark. Confident in the air too, making a good number of aerial grabs.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
Error at the back almost allowed Perisic in to score in the first half but Shuichi Gonda was there to deny him with the save. A little nervy to start the game but improved as it went on. Displayed a good piece of defending to block a Perisic shot in the second forty five.
Maya Yoshida – 7.5
Solid at the back and even managed to assist Maeda for Japan’s opener at the end of the first half. Got caught in the second half which led to a decent chance for Perisic but looked assured overall. Poor penalty in the shootout saved by Livakovic.
Shogo Taniguchi – 7
Made a couple of clearances, was accurate in possession and also won a couple of aerial challenges too.
Junya Ito – 7.5
Put in a beautiful ball from the right flank that almost allowed Maeda or Yuto Nagatomo to get on the end of it. Caused issues for Barisic down the right-hand side with his pace and tracked back well too, working tirelessly throughout.
Wataru Endo – 9
Played a superb ball in behind for Daichi Kamada around the half hour mark and was very creative in the first half, creating a number of good chances. Also put in a solid defensive showing, making some strong tackles. Excellent display here.
Hidemasa Morita – 6.5
Made a couple of good cross-field balls to switch play out to Junya Ito in the first half and also moved the ball nicely in the midfield, helping keep the tempo high in the first half for Japan. Was dispossessed a few times, however. Made a brilliant interception to take the ball away from Marcelo Brozovic who was quickly arriving into the box before the hour mark.
Yuto Nagatomo – 5.5
Played a great ball into the box towards Maeda in the first half and did okay defensively before being replaced by Kaoru Mitoma.
Ritsu Doan – 7.5
Linked play nicely at times and was influential in between the lines at points too. Played a couple of dangerous balls into the box at the end of the first half, including one that led to Maeda’s opener. Made a wonderful, last-ditch clearance in the box in the second half too.
Daizen Maeda – 7.5
Worked hard in the press, leading from the front. Got into some threatening positions inside the box for Japan in the opening phases and managed to put his side in front with a typical striker’s finish inside the six yard box at the end of the first forty five. Didn’t see much of the ball but caused problems for Croatia here.
Daichi Kamada – 6.5
Received the ball in a few threatening positions and did manage to win a couple of tackles, doing well in his duels. Had a decent chance at the end of the first half but couldn’t finish.
Substitutions
Takuma Asano – 5
Struggled to impact the game when he came on.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6
Played a lovely ball into Takehiro Tomiyasu late on in a dangerous area. Pace caused some issue for Croatia when he came on and had a decent strike on goal in extra time. However, had his penalty saved in the shootout.