Japan pipped both Spain and Germany to finish top of Group E, beating both the European giants in the progress, they face last Russia 2018 runners up Croatia at the Al Janoub Stadium today.
Team News:
Japan will be without Ko Itakura for the round of 16 tie, the Borussia Monchengladbach defender is suspended after he picked up two yellow cards during the group stage.
Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo has a muscle injury and is a doubt for Japan whilst full back Hiroki Sakai has returned to training ahead of the tie.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has been blessed so far this tournament with injuries but his side may be without defender Josip Stanisic who has a muscle problem and Borna Sosa is expected to be absent through illness.
The European side will be without Luka Modric and Dejan Lovren for potential further games if either player is booked against Japan.
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Predicted Line-ups:
Japan – Gonda, Sakai, Itakura, Yoshida (C), Taniguchi, Nagatomo, Kamada, Morita, Tanaka, Ito, Maeda.
Croatia – Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Barisic, Modric (C), Brozovic, Kovacic, Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic.
With both sides finishing strongly in the group stage, a host of changes to either side isn’t to be expected.
Sakai started Japan’s opener against Germany but hasn’t featured since and with him returning to training this week it’s a question on whether he will be risked for this monstrous tie.
For Croatia, just one change is expected to the starting XI with Sosa potentially missing out and Rangers defender Borna Barisic coming in.
One To Watch:
With three of Japan’s World Cup goals coming from their substitutes it’s fair to say there is plenty for Croatia to worry about.
Our one to watch is Ao Tanaka, the midfielder was an important cog in the system in their shock wins over Germany and Spain and even got on the score sheet in their latest win. If Japan are to go through, he will have a big say in the game.
As for Croatia, everyone is familiar with their experienced side who reached the final of the 2018 World Cup. They boast a ton of quality in their side including Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric.
However, our one to watch is Perisic who may be facing off against a stand in right-back this afternoon. The veteran has everything and more to cause the Japan back line a lot of problems.
Form Guide:
Croatia go into today’s game as the favourites but it’s Japan who are in the better form.
An extremely impressive group stage saw them finish on six points and record wins over ex World Cup winners Germany and Spain.
Croatia finished second in their group with Morocco causing another tournament shock as they topped the group with Belgium missing out on progressing.
Dalic’s side were undefeated in the group stage, finishing with five points after a win against Canada and draws against Morocco and Belgium.
Where to watch it:
This afternoon’s game kicks-off at 15.00 UK time and 18.00 local time at the Al Janoub Stadium.
It will be shown on BBC One.
Check out our live blog here.
