Japan, the big surprise, takes on runner-up Croatia

Croatiathe current world runner-up, will be looking for a place in the quarterfinals of Qatar 2022 this Monday against Japanese of Take Kubo that he wants to make history, as he has never reached the said round in a World Cup. The defender of Japan Yuto Nagatomo Yesterday he urged his teammates to compete “as samurai, we must show it to the world, it’s like football, tactics and techniques are important, it doesn’t matter what we improve, if we are afraid we won’t can do. Do everything”.

Based on pressure and speed, Japan became one of the biggest surprises of this World Cup, where in the first stage they defeated two world champions such as Spain (2-1) and Germany (1-2), where they were the finished first in group E. La Roja, in the round of 16 as second (will face Morocco tomorrow) and the Germans, eliminated. Exactly, Morocco relegated Croatia to second place in group F, which however remains unbeaten at Qatar 2022.

Take KuboReal Sociedad player, is one of the doubts of Japaneselike hiroki sakai. In the Croatian range, Borna Sosa Y Josip Stanisic they cannot participate in the final training.

Hajime Moriyasuselector of JapaneseHe said: “We are ready for a 120-minute battle. We have demonstrated the greatest development in team building in our history.

while, zlatko dalicCroatia coach, confident to face today’s rivalry against Japan towards the quarterfinals and expressed his faith in Luka Modric, 37 years old: “May God give you health. It is very important for us. I’m sure this won’t be his last big tournament in Croatia because of his professionalism and how he takes care of himself. He will be with us for a long time. I don’t like to talk about individualities but Luka is our leader and I hope he continues to be so”.

Croatia respects Japan

Dalic showed his “respect” to Japan. “He defeated two world champions. He showed character and mentality. We know they will be samurai. We should not underestimate them and the field will tell who is better”, said the coach. The central Josko Guardiolwho could play as a left-back against Japan, was also discussed Modric: “I hope this is not the last World Cup for Luka (Modric) but this is also the year where we can take advantage of it to do something great”.

Dalic He said that “in Croatia we are four million and the results we have achieved are a miracle in the world.” Both Japan and Croatia dream of continuing to make history. They have met three times, one win each (4-3 for Japan in the 1997 Kirin Cup, 0-1 for Croatia in the 1998 World Cup) and one draw (0-0 in the 2006 World Cup.