The_jagster Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) The red circle on white of Japan takes on the red squares on white of Croatia in today's first match. The winner plays Brazil or Korea on Friday. How did they get here? Japan: Came second to Saudi Arabia in the last group stage in Asia qualifiers; famously beat Spain and Germany to win their group despite a loss to Costa Rica Croatia: Beat Russia to first in qualifying, put four past Canada and managed goalless draws against Morocco and Belgium. Much last 16 history? Japan: Yes, but no further. Lost to Turkey 0-1 in 2002, Paraguay on pens in 2010 and Belgium 2-3 in 2018. At least they scored against Belgium, and only a late rally turned things round in a heartbreaking loss at the end of normal time. Croatia: a young country but also qualifying for the first time in 1998, they have reached this stage less often than Japan, beating Romania in 1998 1-0 and beating Denmark on pens in 2018 after a 1-1 draw (though it has to be said, would have won it in extra time were it not for a foul on Rebic who just had to slot the ball into an empty net). Previous meetings? Two forgettable matches in world cups, 0-0 in 2006 and 1-0 to Croatia in 1998 when Suker scored the winner Edited December 5, 2022 by The_jagster Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Probably the toughest tie to call in this round. Croatia have got progressively better with each game so far, while Japan have shown that even in tough situations, they can beat anyone (and lose to anyone ). Reckon this goes down to penalties, and that Japan's rotten luck in the last 16 continues. Croatia to scrape through. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_jagster Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) Subjective opinion time: I don't actually think Japan are that good. I listened to the radio for the Germany match and they were being crucified for how passive and defensive they were, then they turned up for the last quarter and made Germany pay for missed chances. They were absolutely dreadful against Costa Rica, boring rubbish (maybe 0-0 fairer than losing). Then they had 15 minutes of decent pressure against Spain and happened to score twice, the first goal was a poor effort from Simon in goal. The only Croatia game I watched in full was their Canada win, but from the highlights Belgium should have sent them home and they didn't offer much in terms of chances against Morocco. I feel like both teams should really be fancying their chances here but will prioritise keeping it tight at the back. Modric is better than anyone Japan have and I think Croatia should have enough to cause problems over 90 minutes. I took the afternoon off for this so I'm hoping this will be a classic. Edited December 5, 2022 by The_jagster Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Lucas Posted December 5, 2022 Administrators Share Posted December 5, 2022 Square pegs, round holes come to mind. Hoping Japan manage another great result. Didn't watch their match with Costa Rica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpain16 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 I don't know. I think we would beat them 8 out of 10 times, but on the World Cup you just never know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_jagster Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 Put 5 live on for the build up and some pundit is talking about how England's midfield will dominate France's. a) what? b) Talk about the game coming up! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Would be great to see Japan do it again, but yeah I'm not convinced they are that good really. First goal key really. Japan showed they can defend their box Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickybricks14 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 21 minutes ago, The_jagster said: Put 5 live on for the build up and some pundit is talking about how England's midfield will dominate France's. a) what? b) Talk about the game coming up! Bbc one managed to go a whole five minutes without bringing them up Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 26 minutes ago, The_jagster said: I don't actually think Japan are that good. I listened to the radio for the Germany match and they were being crucified for how passive and defensive they were, then they turned up for the last quarter and made Germany pay for missed chances. They were absolutely dreadful against Costa Rica, boring rubbish (maybe 0-0 fairer than losing). Then they had 15 minutes of decent pressure against Spain and happened to score twice, the first goal was a poor effort from Simon in goal. Germany should've been 2 or 3 up by halftime, then Japan's coach completely changed the setup and Germany got FM'd. Against Costa Rica they shown that they lack quality against teams that aren't going full on attacking and putting pressure on them. Against Spain they were much better defensively, but again...FM'd them. Spain also kind of stoped pressuring after Germany took the 3-2 lead against Costa Rica. They wasted time in stoppage passing it around the back. Quote The only Croatia game I watched in full was their Canada win, but from the highlights Belgium should have sent them home and they didn't offer much in terms of chances against Morocco. I feel like both teams should really be fancying their chances here but will prioritise keeping it tight at the back. Modric is better than anyone Japan have and I think Croatia should have enough to cause problems over 90 minutes. Morocco was more or less similar to England-US, with neither team willing to take any risks, barely any chances, one on each side. Canada was dismantled because they couldn't defend and Belgium game controlled very well up until final 20ish minutes, like it usually happens with a desperate team. Was really poor there and saved only by Lukaku's ridiculous lack of composure in front of the goal. Biggest advantage Japan have is that their coach will change things right away if they're not doing well, even change the formation, while Croatian coach won't sub anyone in defense or midfield even if they're completely done. I expect a careful approach, 0-0 or 1-0 Croatia win. Barišić playing instead of Sosa is a huge downgrade on defense and could be exploited. Japan doesn't have Itakura who's suspended. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_jagster Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 Thought "oh great, Jenas". Then remembered I don't think there is anyone on the BBC I like of their current co-commentators. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Constantine Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Why Petkovic ahead of Livaja for this one? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Obligatory Infantino in the first two minutes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob1981 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Come on Japan ffs, we need at least one or two shocks in the R16. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 If recent World Cup history is to be repeated this year, whoever wins this game will beat Brazil in the quarterfinals (Brazil lost in the QFs in 2006, 2010 and 2018)… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 1 minute ago, Constantine said: Why Petkovic ahead of Livaja for this one? Neither one is good enough, Petković is a bit better at hold-up play. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Constantine Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 1 minute ago, GunmaN1905 said: Neither one is good enough, Petković is a bit better at hold-up play. I thought he did well in two games I've watched. And I'd take him over Petkovic in this game, he's more likely to unlock Japanese defence... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Tomiyasu almost gifts a Spuds player a goal. Very lucky he didn't go from Hiro to villain. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Just now, Constantine said: I thought he did well in two games I've watched. And I'd take him over Petkovic in this game, he's more likely to unlock Japanese defence... Petković's best attribute is probably his passing with back to the goal. Livaja was good against Canada and absolutely useless against Belgium. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 16 minutes ago, GunmaN1905 said: Petković's best attribute is probably his passing with back to the goal. Clearly he can't square a ball to an unmarked player in the box Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearcey_90 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Both sides so wasteful and so open at the back. Brazil should have fun next round. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 2 minutes ago, skybluedave said: Clearly he can't square a ball to an unmarked player in the box As I said, he's slow. Not just in terms of pace. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOORAY HENRIK Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Did Kramaric actually want to score there? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_jagster Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 Why did no Japanese player support Nagatomo there? Japan seem to be demonstrating that defenders can't judge long balls over the top. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klimowicz Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 The commentators cursed this. The passing in the final third has been poor for both sides. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallen Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) Can't watch the game, but dunno why Japan keep waiting until the second half to field Mitoma. Edit: all of their goals in this world cup have been scored with him on the field Edited December 5, 2022 by Smallen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orzelek Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Huge chance for Kamada there Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darius1998 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Kamada of all people losing his composure at the end. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Japan playing some nice stuff here! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearcey_90 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Football good, finishing sunday league. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 So far this game has not been worth the £25 I just paid for a Heineken and a red wine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Constantine Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 3 minutes ago, Smallen said: Can't watch the game, but dunno why Japan keep waiting until the second half to field Mitoma. Edit: all of their goals in this world cup have been scored with him on the field I don't know, it seems like they're using Maeda to tire opposition in the first half before unleashing Mitoma and Ito after the break. But Dalic seems to let them have the ball, like they did v Costa Rica, not exposing or allowing any space for Japanese attackers to run into. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_jagster Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) Kamada has looked a class above his teammates in general, so a shot for a throw-in is a bit of a surprise. I think Mowbray and Jenas are going a bit overboard on how well they are playing though, most of the time both teams have had fairly sterile possession. In reality Croatia are probably quite happy for Japan to be aiming crosses for Maeda. Edit: lol Edited December 5, 2022 by The_jagster Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearcey_90 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 About time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darius1998 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) Maeda! 1-0. Looked like a possible offside there. Edited December 5, 2022 by Darius1998 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Well deserved from Japan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Get in Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOORAY HENRIK Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Maeda! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Maeda makes the breakthrough! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orzelek Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 That was coming for some time Maeda with the goal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearcey_90 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Is his arm pit off? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 (edited) Could be off that Or not. Deserved lead Edited December 5, 2022 by skybluedave Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren1983 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 9 minutes ago, Smallen said: Can't watch the game, but dunno why Japan keep waiting until the second half to field Mitoma. Edit: all of their goals in this world cup have been scored with him on the field Not anymore Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinji Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 I thought it was marginally off tbh but happy to see it allowed. Croatia have been awful and Japan deserve it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darius1998 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 I was about to say that I didn't see why they took Maeda over Furuhashi. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klimowicz Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Oh dear Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Yas \o/ That’s better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_jagster Posted December 5, 2022 Author Share Posted December 5, 2022 Can Croatia create when not given as much space as Canada allowed them? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firehouse Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Thats what you get for walking around the pitch. And everyone seems to be cheering for Japan, what are we, England? 😁 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orzelek Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Well, Japan are the masters of getting the VAR-decisions just their way Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 Now I'm going to have to listen to annoying people complaining about how Lovren's shoulder was offside and this one wasn't. Just severe case of being outcoached with gameplan, then you concede from set-piece against a team with such height disadvantage. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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