Japan, a side that has been sensational in the World Cup so far, will take on Croatia in an exciting Monday’s round-of-16 clash at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Japan was excellent in the first stage and topped Group E above Spain and Germany. However, they will be a side that will be tested again by Croatia in this fixture. On the other hand, Croatia comes into this match riding high on a nine-match unbeaten run across all tournaments. They will need to be wary of Japan’s counter-attacking game.
FIFA World Cup Japan vs Croatia Teams News
Japan Football Team News
Japan will be without Ko Itakura, who received his second yellow card in the last match against Spain. Takehiro Tomiyasu, who came off the bench, should get the nod to start in his place. There are injury concerns over Takefusa Kubo and he could well miss out here owing to a muscle strain.
Croatia Football Team News
There are no big injury concerns for Croatia ahead of this match and Dalic could well retain his tested 4-3-3 formation. There were concerns over the form of Andrej Kramaric and Marko Livaja against Belgium and they need to be at their best in this knockout match
Qatar FIFA WC Croatia vs Japan Predicted Starting XI
Japan Predicted Starting XI
Gonda; Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Yoshida; Ito; Morita, Tanaka, Nagatomo; Doan, Maeda, Kamada
Croatia Predicted Starting XI
Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic
FIFA World Cup Japan vs Croatia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the third match between Japan and Croatia in a World Cup. The match in 2006 ended in a draw while Croatia claimed a 1-0 win over Japan in 1998.
- Croatia are in roaring form and come into this match on a nine-game unbeaten run.
- Four goals from Japan have come via substitutes (three goals and one assist).
FIFA World Cup 2022 Japan vs Croatia Fantasy Football Team
Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: Maya Yoshida, Yuto Nagatomo, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa
Midfielders: Luka Modric (C), Daichi Kamada, Wataru Endo, Ivan Perisic
Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Ritsu Doan (VC)
World Cup FIFA Japan vs Croatia Match Details
Kick-off Date: Monday, December 5
Kick-off Time: 8:30 PM IST
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium
Croatia vs Japan Live Streaming in india
Live Telecast: Sports18 SD/HD
Live Streaming: JioCinema (App & Website)
FIFA World Cup Japan vs Croatia Match Prediction
Japan have been absolutely superb in the tournament and their wins over Spain and Germany underline their sensational run in the tournament so far. They will once again be tested by Croatia and how their defense holds in this match could well decide the result.
Croatia have not been at their best, but they could well be starting to come into their own. We expect Croatia to win this match 2-1.
