It is a remarkable achievement for Ivan Perisic, of Tottenham, to have equalled the goal record of Davor Suker in the Japan 1-1 Croatia match of the 2022 World Cup. Celtic star had given the Samurai Blues a deserved lead, and Perisic's equalizer was nothing short of phenomenal. It is a testament to his skill and determination that he has been able to reach such a milestone, and it is certainly something to be celebrated. Congratulations to Ivan Perisic for his impressive feat!
The match between Japan and Croatia had been a closely contested affair, until 43 minutes in when the Celtic man, Doan, delivered an inswinging cross that Maeda scrambled home from close range to give Japan the lead.
However, the lead was short-lived as Tottenham man Lovren stood up a deep cross from the right that Perisic powered into the far corner past the despairing dive of Gonda. Perisic then led a marauding run down the channel but his shot was scrambled away, and the match is going in a 1-1 . It will a thrilling to the match, and one that could not be predicted.
After ten wild minutes, the game has settled. Both sides have time!
Cascarino: “Gvardiol's been terrific, he's had a handful of challenges only because the Japanese play, they're so contagious, they just don't stop running trying to make problems.”
As 78 minute passing Perisic has a run at Tomiyasu after seizing upon Yoshida’s sloppy pass and takes aim from the edge of the box but, to his credit, the Arsenal defender blocks it behind.
84 minute passing still japan still in field as poised great challenge the croat. Japan closes as Mitoma slips through Tomiyasu on a deep free-kick.He spins Pasalic and has time and space to pick his spot, but the Arsenal defender squares it and Croatia gratefully clears.
Japan-Croatia
86′—Another cross!
Perisic again assists Pasalic, who heads wide under Taniguchi's pressure.
Japan-Croatia
90′ – Kovacic is booked late in the game after sliding into Ito and Barisic. Four-minute overtime...
“This game has been quite intriguing this second half,” Cascarino told talkSPORT.
In addition to that, there is the spectacular shootout for penalties. Minamino squanders Japan's first penalty kick opportunity!!!
His attempt to score with his side foot is stopped by Livakovic after he botches the penalty kick he was given.
Vlasic manages to get one up on Gonda! The advantage goes to Croatia Livakovic is on his way to becoming Croatia's national hero!! This time, Mitoma is denied entry thanks to another save in the other corner. Asano tries to keep Japan's chances alive by sending Livakovic in the wrong direction, but it's possible that this won't be enough!
The hopes of the Japanese are dashed thanks to Pasalic, who retains his cool to advance Croatia to the quarterfinals. After preventing three of Japan's four penalty kicks, Livakovic deserves to be called a hero.
