Japan vs. Croatia live updates: Japan leading at half, 1-0

The 2022 FIFA World Cup continued Monday on FOX with Croatia defeating Japan in a wild knockout-stage game at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar that was decided by penalty kicks after a hard-fought battle.

With the win, Croatia — led by world-class midfielder Luka Modrić — has advanced to the next round.

There is one more quarterfinal spot up for grabs Monday, as Brazil faces South Korea next (11 a.m. ET, FOX). The winner will advance to play Croatia in the quarterfinals, which begin Friday, Dec. 9.

Here are the top plays!

Croatia 1(3), Japan 1

8′: Early opportunities

Japan’s Shogo Taniguchi took a shot right out of the gate to set the tone, bit his header missed just to the left.

Then, a few minutes later, Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda denied Ivan Perišić to keep things scoreless.

41′: What could have been

Daichi Kamada was this close to putting Japan ahead, but things remained scoreless as the first half winded down.

43′: Goal!

Then, just ahead of the break, Japan got on the board thanks to a smooth shot from Daizen Maeda.

55′: Knotted up

After his attempt earlier in the match was saved, Perišić — assisted by Dejan Lovren with a cross — connected with the net in the second half with this header to tie the game near the one-hour mark.

57′: Anyone’s game

Croatia keeper Dominik Livaković came up with the big-time save to keep things tied midway through the second half.

62′: Returning the favor

Minutes later, Japan’s Gonda answered with a crucial save of his own to keep Croatia from taking the lead.

Things remained tied at the end of regulation, sending the match to extra time.

120’+1′” No quit

Croatia nearly had the game-winning shot in the final moments of extra time, but it was wide, and things headed to penalty kicks to decide the winner.

Penalty kicks:

Croatia started by converting its first two penalty kicks, while Japan struggled to connect.

In the end, Croatia outlasted Japan, winning 3-1 on PKs to advance to the next round.

Check out every kick below:

Read more from the World Cup:

Check out the full schedule for the World Cup and how to watch each match live here.

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