Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has advised his teammates they’ll want to point out “samurai spirit” in Monday’s round-of-16 match in opposition to Croatia on the World Cup.
And they’ll want one other high quality that Nagatomo discovered enjoying for nearly a decade in Italy, principally with Inter Milan.
“Coraggio,” Nagatomo mentioned. “We need to play with courage.”
Japan is showing within the knockout stage for the fourth time and nonetheless trying to find its first win. It rallied in group play to beat each Germany and Spain — two former world champions — 2-1 but additionally stumbled to a 1-0 loss in opposition to Costa Rica.
Croatia, the smallest nation within the closing 16 with a inhabitants of solely 4 million, was the runner-up 4 years in the past in opposition to France and completed third in 1998.
Could the third time be the allure?
“Why not,” mentioned Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.
JAP vs CRO Predcited lineups:
Japan : Gonda; Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Yoshida; Ito; Morita, Tanaka, Nagatomo; Doan, Maeda, Kamada
Croatia doable beginning lineup:Lakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Barisic; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic
This is Nagatomo’s fourth World Cup, and he remembers how Japan led Belgium 2-0 in a spherical of 16 match 4 years in the past in Russia, however was eradicated 3-2 on a purpose scored late in second-half stoppage time.
“I have never forgotten,” Nagatomo mentioned, earlier than returning to the topic of Japanese samurai warriors as a metaphor for Japan’s World Cup marketing campaign.
“They try to improve their techniques,” he mentioned. “But if they are scared during the battle they will not be able to use their weapons and techniques fully.”
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu mentioned the loss to Belgium was a worthwhile lesson for his staff.
“That experience was very precious and we can reflect on what we learned in that match with Belgium,” he mentioned.
Dalic mentioned his staff will probably be effectively ready; they’ve seen many Japan gamers in motion within the German league.
“They will apply the samurai philosophy in their game,” he mentioned. “We will also do our part. We know how important this match is for us. We know who the opponent is. We know their mentality. If we want to go father we must apply that same standard, that same attitude.”
Croatia superior with 0-0 attracts in opposition to Belgium and Morocco, which got here both aspect of a 4-1 victory over Canada.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, the world participant of the 12 months in 2018, stays the heartbeat of a staff whose skilled midfield is often a match for any opponent however which nonetheless lacks a prolific scorer up entrance.
Each recreation the 37-year-old Modric performs any further could possibly be his final at a World Cup.
The winner Monday faces both five-time champion Brazil or South Korea within the quarterfinals.
(From AP)
When and the place to observe
When will the Japan vs Croatia Round of 16 match kick-off?
The Japan vs Croatia Round of 16 match will kick-off at 12:30AM IST, December 6.
Where will the Japan vs Croatia Round of 16 match kick-off?
The Japan vs Croatia Round of 16 match will kick-off at Stadium 974.
Where are you able to watch the Japan vs Croatia Round of 16 match in India?
The Japan vs Croatia Round of 16 match will probably be telecasted dwell on Sports18 and Sports18 HD. On Android and effectively as iOS, the 2022 FIFA World Cup will probably be dwell streamed on JioCinema.
Where are you able to watch the Japan vs Croatia Round of 16 match exterior India?
Argentina – Live Stream: Telemundo
United States – TV: FOX, Telemundo; Live Stream: fuboTV, Fox Sports app, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Canada – TV: CTV, TSN; Live Stream: fuboTV, TSN app
United Kingdom – TV: BBC One; Live Stream: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Australia – TV: SBS; Live Stream: SBS On Demand
New Zealand – TV: Sky Sports; Live Stream: Sky Sport
Malaysia – TV: RTM, Astro; Live Stream: Astro Go
Singapore – TV: Mediacorp Channel 5; Live Stream: StarHub TV+, IPTV, Singtel TV
Hong Kong – TV: BeIN Sports, ITV; Live Stream: Now TV, ViuTV
Nigeria – TremendousSport and Showmax Pro.
Get all the outcomes for the FIFA World Cup 2022 right here: Full record of all matches, scores, outcomes, goalscorers