Japan's dream run came to an end after being beaten by Croatia on penalties.
The Samurai Blues came into the clash having stunned Germany and Spain in the group stage. And they looked set to pull off another upset when Daizen Maeda lashed home on the cusp of half-time.
Ivan Perisic brought Croatia level just 10 minutes after the restart with a thumping header. Despite the best attempts from both sides, the winning goal wouldn't arrive courtesy of strong saves by both sets of goalkeepers.
And after 120 minutes of action, Zlatko Dalic's side managed to emerge triumphant as Dominik Livakovic saved Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma & Maya Yoshida's spot kicks while Nikola Vlasic, Marcelo Brozovic & Mario Pasalic converted theirs.
The Samurai Blues came into the clash having stunned Germany and Spain in the group stage. And they looked set to pull off another upset when Daizen Maeda lashed home on the cusp of half-time.
Ivan Perisic brought Croatia level just 10 minutes after the restart with a thumping header. Despite the best attempts from both sides, the winning goal wouldn't arrive courtesy of strong saves by both sets of goalkeepers.
And after 120 minutes of action, Zlatko Dalic's side managed to emerge triumphant as Dominik Livakovic saved Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma & Maya Yoshida's spot kicks while Nikola Vlasic, Marcelo Brozovic & Mario Pasalic converted theirs.
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