Croatia reach World Cup quarterfinals with penalty shoot-out victory over Japan

Terrible penalty kicks from Japan.

All 3 that missed were the same kick, along the ground to the left.

Thud.

Scenes!

Very good Japan, they fought until the end, thank you very much for your participation..

Little by little they are progressing, until the next world championship.

GO JAPAN!!..

PKs are a terrible way to decide such important games

Watching those penalties is heartbreaking, after all that hard graft.

Very depressing, 2 hours or so of back and forth, then out in 5 minutes or so.

Here we go, people really want to bash out with negativity.

Only comment from TokyoLiving is positive and feel good for healthy mind and soul.

Yes! It was poor penalties but they experienced now this. Croatia are already 3/3 experienced on penalties.

Hoping Japan win the World Cup between 2030 - 2050.

Bravo for the Japanese team. No one predicted they would make it this far. Next time......

Well done Croatia. I knew once it went to pens, it was all over for Moriyasu-Japan. Croatia don't do PK losses in the WC. Great to see Daizen find the net. But Samurai-Blue were held well by Croatia in the second half. Perhaps if Moriyasu had kept Doan on the bench for the second half, he couldve changed things?

Congratulations to Samurai-Blue on an amazing month of football! They gave their fans joy, hope and created history. The world is still stunned at those wins against Germany and Spain. Definitely Samurai-Blue should now aim for a top 10 ranking.

Thanks for the memories, brilliant Samurai-Blue!

Have a heart those misses will haunt those penalty takers until the next world cup or longer.

Ask Gareth Southgate.

"I learnt s million things from that day and that years that followed it, when something goes wrong in your life, it doesn't finish you and you should become braver, knowing that you've got to go for things and don't regret because you didn't try to be as good as you might be"  

41% possession for Japan was better, shame.

Well done Japan for getting this far.

Moriyasu Hajime said his men opened a new chapter for Japanese soccer, though the team failed to advance beyond the round of 16.

He is sure a new future is awaiting Japan. He added that the Samurai Blue need to keep working hard to overtake rivals based on the confidence his team built by beating former World Cup champions Germany and Spain.

To the future!

Yawn. Soccer as a sport and the World Cup are pretty uninspiring, you must admit. We get scores like 0-0, 2-1, 1-0, teams get 3-4 shots on goal the whole match, major decisions settled by a planned kicks directly on the net, and then, for all that, the same two teams: Argentina or Brazil -- end up winning the whole thing. Big yawn from me, I'm afraid.

(As spoken by a Canadian who grew up watching the fast, exciting and dynamic sport of hockey)

Japan played well tonight, well organized, the best game of this wc for the team.

As for the pk, and I know by experience by missing many on, a strong mind, confidence and no hesitation when kicking is the key. Maybe the mind was the issue

the same two teams: Argentina or Brazil -- end up winning the whole thing. Big yawn from me, I'm afraid.

Argentina have not won for 36 years.

Brazil have not won for 20 years.

IMO opinion, the winner of England v France goes on to take home the prize.

Brutal way to go out. Japan had their chances. the last kick in goal in regulation kind of summed it up though, a thunderous shot that went directly to the keeper, he did not have to move. Croatia's defence was solid. Moriyasu's last card to play would have been a wildcard substitute Gonda for Schmidt at the end, to allow the much taller man who is apparently a great pk stopper, alas would not have made up for the three rather insipid kicks that Japan missed. My word that was painful to watch.

Crazy topsy turvy four matches from Japan this cup Definitely left a huge Impression on the football world. Well done boys.

As for those PK. You could see in Yoshida's eyes as he stood at half way before he took his kick that he had already missed. I hope he and the boys are heralded for the wins, not lambasted for the misses.

Well done Japan and congratulations to Croatia. Yes, as other posters have said, a penalty shoot out is a tough way to decide such a big match. I'm sure we will get it replayed a zillion times on TV today along with the teary eyed scenes. But the World Cup is over now for the majority of the public. The media and very few people will talk about or have any interest in the finals from here on. See you in 2026 Japan!

I think the positive thing about the whole campaign is that, Costa Rica aside, Japan mostly seemed to play the team in front of them and not the reputation. Good on them for that.

Wouldn't it be a helluva lot better to replace the penalty kick system with sudden death overtime as is done in the NFL does to determine a winner?

Anyway, it was a helluva game. Team Japan may have lost but it went down swinging.

Hi my friends

i am a croatian and i want to give you a big compliments for your play tonite!

you played with all your heart!

also, me and all other croatian, you can see it in our online news, are VERY VERY IMPRESSED with MISTER Moriyasu!

HE IS THE ONE! The biggest GENTLEMAN i ever seen!

Mister Moriyasu - ALL RESPECT TO YOU!

Dear japanise friends - WE LOVE YOU!

Greatings from Croatia

Well done to Japan for getting out of their group brilliantly. They deserved to win except for the terrible penalty kicks. Now to watch Croatia get destroyed by Brazil

As the philosophy of the Japanese, long way to the end but finally a big ending. Shippai shinai no de

Played their hearts out, nothing to be ashamed of. With many players developing their skills in Europe, the future is bright for Japanese soccer.

Japan played well against a strong team Croatia. But terrible shoot-out missing three. Disappointment for the thousands of Japanese fans in Qatar.

why not play a 10 minute overtime to see if it can be settled.properly? What’s 10 minutes? Fifa is a joke

(… going to work now and) I can even feel the sadness in the air today; hard to believe that some foreigners (that live in Japan) are happy when Japan loses; anyway, back to reality; the Samurai Blue still have a long way to go BUT they’re on the right track; for now, they deserve to be congratulated for what they’ve done; as for the PKs, yes, it’s terrible, but the Japanese players couldn’t handle the pressure and they were nervous, you can clearly see that if you watch the replay; they weren’t ready(!) but

well done, Japan (!)

A valiant effort that could have turned out differently on any other day. Come home proud of your achievements Samurai's.You beat Germany and Spain! Hold your heads up high! I salute you.

why not play a 10 minute overtime to see if it can be settled.properly? What’s 10 minutes? Fifa is a joke

They had already played 30 mins of overtime on top of the 90 minutes.

“You’re surprised aren’t you? We’re not surprised “.

i think that the penalty kick system is unfair on teams who aren’t used to it. They should keep playing until the next goal. This will make it more exciting for everyone and the true winner will appear.

Ask Gareth Southgate.

"I learnt s million things from that day and that years that followed it, when something goes wrong in your life, it doesn't finish you and you should become braver, knowing that you've got to go for things and don't regret because you didn't try to be as good as you might be"  

Wise words indeed...from the man who cashed in on the millions of English fans' misery by making a Pizza Hut commercial celebrating that miss.

Croatia Won! Wow! Go Croatia!! ; - ))

i think that the penalty kick system is unfair on teams who aren’t used to it. They should keep playing until the next goal.

Dumb idea. Every team isn't used to it.

A great display by Japan in the World Cup, and penalties are always a bad way to go out. In this case it seems that so much hard work was thrown away by some of the worst penalties I've ever seen. Did they think they'd sent the keeper the wrong way, or something?

The Japanese penalties were so poor.

Not bad is it. I though Japan will loose 5-0

Look at all these people who started watching football for a couple of days now. Penalties have been there for a long time. Greater teams and players than Japan were a victim of penalties (ask the English).

Players should be prepared to take penalties, especially in such big tournaments.

Sad, but Japan did very well, lot to be proud of, keep doing what you’re doing, the future is bright for Japan, the next WC and the future players that you guys inspire. Best of luck 2026

Incredible effort to even get to the pk by the much smaller and shorter legged men in blue.

They were served well by referencing the live or die outlook of the samurai mentality.

However, ironically they failed to reference the fact that perhaps the greatest samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, was (or is portrayed as) a resolute iconoclast who went his own way and used unpredictability to surprise and overcome his opponent...the beauty of football is that it is simultaneously both a team and individual sport.

The weakness of the Japanese side is obviously that the majority of the players are petrified of facing a one on one where creativity and individual problem solving is required. And yes for that they can thank a system that arguably actively discourages precisely that.

The better team one it was a fair result. Someone needs to teach these guys how to take penalties. The 3 misses were all identical easy saves. Modern penalties are a highly developed skill and strategy. You look at advanced players like Neymar etc who all use some kind of stutter step approach to fool keeper. Minimono should have sent the first kick high straight down the middle. Would have scored and then had keeper not guessing so easily thereafter

Japan…you have 4 years to learn how to shoot penalties !

One positive thing, I suppose, is that Japan's blushes will now be spared from a thorough trouncing by Brazil in the quarter finals.

Despite the knockout Japanese fans should be proud! No sour grapes please. You did well! Hold your head up high!

I hope he and the boys are heralded for the wins, not lambasted for the misses.

Yes, it was a valiant effort to even make it through the group stage when so many predicted a first round exit. Losing on penalties is brutal, as any English person will tell you, and the disappointment barely fades as time passes. You just have to get on with it. This is probably the best squad Japan has ever had so the future looks bright, hopefully.

Japan did well.

The world did not expect scores like these:

Japan 2-1 Germany

Japan 2-1 Spain

Japan 1-1 Croatia

Sorry way to lose, but that’s the game. Am grateful to Croatia for silencing Honda’s terrible commentating.

Very average team.

Japan is the only top-of-the-group team that failed to qualify for the next round. Couldnt overcome aging, slow Croatia team. Shows how lucky they were in group stages.

Got lessoned by abysmal Vosta Rica. Were lucky against Germany and Spain.

Congratulations to Croatia,a 4 milions people beating a 126 millions one.

As I said before in the end it is as usual a matter between European and South American teams.

Countries that keep calling Football with the world soccer still have a long way before reaching the top,if they ever will.

With Gaffer Moriyasu hopefully locked away on a long term contract, Japan should continue to improve on this amazing performance. Lots of superstars such as Doan, Asano and Daizen are in their early 20s and will continue to develop.

Hopefully in '26 Japan will buck their constant trend of either finishing last in their group, or making the R16 and going no further - they've never had any other result. A SF spot - minimum - should absolutely be the aim next WC.

Any English here having a go at the Japanese players missing their penalties, should keep quiet.

England are the 2nd worst team for PKs.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63204343

PKs are a terrible way to decide such important games

I agree. Would prefer to see reduced players. Like 8 vs 8 or every 5 minutes a player is taken off. That would exciting, especially if it came down to 3 vs 3 or less. PKs aren't really team oriented. Comes down to luck mostly. Lame.

What a shame, Japan could have won the game if the gaffer had chosen to be less timid with his tactic in the 2nd half.

Luck wasn’t with Japan in this one! They were extremely lucky against Germany and Spain with 2-3 shots on goal and so low possession but won somehow… it was pure luck and anyone who believes otherwise is just kidding themselves. The match against Costa Rica was just dreadful and the worst in the entire WC! Against Spain and Germany it was “ Hit and run / smash and grab “ whatever you call it… no skills no vision but just grinding it out and hanging on for dear life! People lose their sense of reality through their passion thinking Japan did so well in this World Cup but in reality they played terribly but were just extremely lucky to get this far! The irony of it all is that the one match where they tried to play better and got over 40% possession and 4 out of 13 shots on goal, they were eliminated! It kind of sums up what football/ soccer has become over the years where better skillful teams lose out to teams that employ dirty techniques such sit back, defend for life approach with 11 men behind the ball. The beautiful game is being destroyed by such techniques.

Clearly tHE mASTER Tactician coach had not prepared the team for Pen Kicks.

He subbed out Doan - who is the only hot shot for the team. The 4th kicker is a veteran of many games & yet he only shot limply ground level. Very Wasteful after 4 yrs of hard-work. You don't get to this stage of the WC very often and Croatia is a beatable team..

As I said before in the end it is as usual a matter between European and South American teams

Looks that way. I hope Morocco can make the quarters but I wouldn’t put money on it.

The Asian teams did okay. 3 of them in the last 16 is better than expected. Only 2 African sides in the last 16 is a bit disappointing. The US did okay.

Well done to Croatia who were the better side overall and Japan went out of this World Cup with some credit. Good game.

why not play a 10 minute overtime to see if it can be settled.properly?

You think 30 minutes ‘overtime’ is too long? There is an opinion that it should be scrapped completely and matches should go straight to pens.

Never heard the 10-minute overtime idea before. Do you think it should be divided into 2 5-minute halves?

Interesting.

If the Japanese footballers had stuck on their guns right up to the last minute and stepped on the gas in terms of ball possession, they could have advanced to the quarterfinals. But Samurai Blue visibly lost momentum in the second half.

Anyhow, it goes without saying that Japan put up a good fight and has established itself as a force to be reckoned with and a team to watch for in future major football tournaments.

For those above who decry penalties - I think the comments by one commentator should settle the matter where he said, or words to the effect, " well that's one game on the field which is finished. No one won. Let's play a different game - lets see who can kick the most goals in penalties". I have never heard it said that this gives an unfair result; a result from the application of soccer skills.

Yawn. Soccer as a sport and the World Cup are pretty uninspiring, you must admit. We get scores like 0-0, 2-1, 1-0, teams get 3-4 shots on goal the whole match, major decisions settled by a planned kicks directly on the net, and then, for all that, the same two teams: Argentina or Brazil -- end up winning the whole thing. Big yawn from me, I'm afraid.

Lol. You must be first on everyones party invite list. And I thought the stereotype of dull Canadians was a little OTT.

Japan can be proud of itself. Victories over Germany and Spain.

Disappointing because this was a winnable match, but Croatia are a tough team so Japan needed that second goal. Overall pretty even match, but Croatia saved the subs for late and finished stronger (although Japan did have some chances on the counter). And I won't be watching those PKs again...

All 3 penalties were identical misses. It's clear the plan was to score the corner but after the first miss they should have realized the keeper is good at low shots and instead aimed for the top corner. Unfortunately what is the team's strong point; sticking to a plan untimely lost them the game.

agree. Would prefer to see reduced players. Like 8 vs 8 or every 5 minutes a player is taken off. That would exciting, especially if it came down to 3 vs 3 or less. PKs aren't really team oriented.

they should of widened the goal by 1 ball width, like they were going to do years ago, increasing chances of scoring, nothing worse than playing for over 90minutes only to end up 0-0. or having to go to a PK to decide. games with common score cards of 3-2 2-1 etc would make it far more exciting and less of an anticlimax

Guess they didn’t practice the shoutout. Big mistake.

And I won't be watching those PKs again...

why not weve had to watch Japans goals repeatedly over the last coupe weeks

All 3 penalties were identical misses.

unfortunately when the risks are high Japanese go with the seemingly safe option, doesnt always work

In the last rugby world cup I felt Japan's true capability up to the quarter finals. However this football event I rather felt their lucky coming in the right moments.

they should of widened the goal by 1 ball width

& the height.

when the goal dimensions were first decided , man was a lot smaller. You’ve got 6foot+ keepers nowadays

Would prefer to see reduced players.

totally agree. This would also introduce tactics, as to who to bring off (or put on).

A decent well fought match by both teams. Japan got punished in the PKs.

Sometimes collectivism loses out here, it seems, as each player in blue looked decisively nervous and afraid to be alone in the spotlight when taking the kicks.

The more individualistic players will shine in these moments due to a lot more confidence in going it alone.

they should of widened the goal by 1 ball width, like they were going to do years ago, increasing chances of scoring, nothing worse than playing for over 90minutes only to end up 0-0. or having to go to a PK to decide. games with common score cards of 3-2 2-1 etc would make it far more exciting and less of an anticlimax

Nah, leave the goals as they are.

Part of the joy of football is that goals aren’t usually flying in all the time and are to be celebrated when they happen.

It’s the best game around as evidenced by its massive following around the world and no other sport could put on a world tournament approaching this level of interest.

There are a few minor things that I’d like see changed, but leave the basics as they are.

What size of the goal?

We don't want to see scorelines like in American Football.

Game 90 minutes. 45 minutes each way.

Extra time 30 minutes. 15 minutes each way.

By this time players are falling down with cramps and exhaustion.

5 ball shoot-outs.

Some suggest that with tossing a coin. But that would only involve lick but no skill.

The FIFA WC Final is predicted to be watched by more than 4 billion viewers.

Maybe it sounds a bit hard, but to survive in such a tournament or to come near the trophy means that one at least can handle and master standard situations. And sorry , but penalty kicks are a standard. Also statistically, you just simply have to bring four or five of the shots into the goal. There’s no discussion about that on any soccer ground, from kindergarten level up to professional soccer and of course especially when it’s about the Cup itself.

Great game! Great happy time!

Every team will inevitably lose in PK's, and Platini's, Zico's and Baggio's have all missed on the biggest stage. What's more important is how they played, fought, competed. Japans progress in the game is evidenced by the international careers of their blossoming players, from Kamada to Doan & Endo in the Bundesliga, to Mitoma & Tomiyasu in the Premier League, they're trusted and counted on as 'stammspielern' (regulars in the starting 11). My only grievance is the way Moriyasu manages them. The results vs. Germany and Spain are etched in history, but parking eleven players behind the ball, when they possess more than the requisite skill and guile to do more, is not my preferred method. A more charismatic coach, who can inspire the individual (& team) brilliance would serve them better than this ultra-conservative Gaffer. The future will look even brighter if they find such a manager.

the way croatica played did not earn my respect.

the way croatica played did not earn my respect.

It isn't very pretty. Mostly hoofing the ball forward and trying to collect the rebound.

I admire their fighting spirit though.

Japan Team needs a gaijin coach to instill some common sense....

I was sad about the game. At the end of the day thumbs up to Croatia. Better luck next time Japan. Nippon never give up!!!

@seesaw like Troussier, Osim, Zico, Aguile? They tried that already.

Looks like Japan need to work on their pk skills just in case their in that situation again. It was quite poor. Not daring and lacked imagination. Even the Croatian keeper said they were quite easy to stop.

Croatia can take Brazil with a few lucky bounces,

As I said before in the end it is as usual a matter between European and South American teams.

lol Must be hard for you with Germany getting bounced from the Group Stage 2 World Cups straight and losing 3 games by non-European/South American teams.

William77Today  09:18 am JST

“ Congratulations to Croatia,a 4 milions people beating a 126 millions one.

As I said before in the end it is as usual a matter between European and South American teams.

Countries that keep calling Football with the world soccer still have a long way before reaching the top,if they ever will. “

Many people don’t like to hear it (look at the downvotes), but that’s the truth; even if the Japanese had won, we’d still have France, England, Spain, Portugal, Holland and Switzerland representing Europe; there’s eight European football superpowers and Italy isn’t there so that means that we’re only talking about two upsets: Germany and Belgium; yes, Denmark was a disappointment but they’re not part of the big eight; so, imho the “ anti-European crowd “ (just kidding) was overreacting; yes, we saw some surprises but… that’s it. (I’m wishing all the best to the USMNT, the Samurai Blue and the socceroos btw.)

That was Japan's best first half of the tournament and they had the chances to go in two goals up.

However, Croatia are battlers, "shitsukoi" if you like in Japanese, and they got back into it. Their goal was a rare flash of quality, but a thing of absolute beauty. The arc on the cross and unstoppable precision of the header. Japan are an energetic team who beat Germany and Spain in the second half, but it was Croatia who were livelier.

It going to penalties and Croatia triumphing had a sense of inevitability, but the Japanese efforts were poor, weakly struck, especially since they came with no attempts at feints or misdirections. Minamino in particular was disappointing. Maybe they had practised penalties before, but it didn't look like it.

Unlucky Japan - it's a painful way to go out of the tournament on penalties - coming from England I know only too well! It's hard to see what else to do after 30 minutes of extra time though - the players by that time are spent. For penalties, I always favour the pick a corner and blast it at it as hard as you can approach but it often comes down to how the players handle it mentally - it's surprising how often you can predict when they are going to miss just by looking at the expression on the players face just before they take the kick.

So sad to see Japan lose. They fought so hard but looked like were "lost" during overtime. I think they could have beat Croatia. They should have beaten Croatia...

I think they now know that they should practice penalty kicks. Other than Asano's kick, the shots were pretty weak. Croatia definitely had an upper hand in this area.

But...hats off to them for having beaten Germany and Spain. Otsukare sama desu!

( cont. )

… no wonder they call the Euro “the WC without Brazil and Argentina”.

 For penalties, I always favour the pick a corner and blast it at it as hard as you can approach but it often comes down to how the players handle it mentally

Probably right for most. It can depend on the player. I remember Matt Le Tissier saying he’d choose a corner for a pen but would adjust at the last second and put it it in the other corner if he saw the keeper shape to move to his first choice. I suppose not all players are as gifted as he was though.

Maybe if your confidence is really low, it’s better just to try to blast it on target.

although I'm a relative newcomer to the game of soccer, I have a few thoughts after watching the highlights.

One. the Japanese forwards were a little too small. You need to intimidate your opposition. And as coach, I would have had a punishing bunch of forwards.

Two. Same goes for the defense. I would have had the Croats much more timid to cross the center line.

Im really surprised no one seems to have figured this out by now.

@master: Then, I assume you wouldn't want Lionel Messi on your team who is 169cm tall,or Michael Owen at 173cm or perhaps Diego Maradona at 165cm?

So, @painkiller - it seems you actually don't care about Football whatsoever after all that, after all your droning on about the US team.

For penalties, I always favour the pick a corner and blast it at it as hard as you can approach but it often comes down to how the players handle it mentally - it's surprising how often you can predict when they are going to miss just by looking at the expression on the players face just before they take the kick.

I agree. There are some players who are masters at penalties and can do what they want, but for most, smacking the ball into the corner with full force is the best option and practically unstoppable, even if the keeper goes the right way.

And that penalty should be practiced over and over again (something Japanese are rather good at) to remove the decision on the day.

As part Japanese, this hurts. They learned to take penalties from England by the looks of it! I can’t wait for France to send them home crying. It’s not coming home!!

JeffLee & painkiller

if you don't like football then you don't need to watch it or even comment on it.

master

although I'm a relative newcomer to the game of soccer, I have a few thoughts after watching the highlights.

Only American's call it soccer.

One. the Japanese forwards were a little too small. You need to intimidate your opposition. And as coach, I would have had a punishing bunch of forwards.

You don't intimidate your opponent. You out skill and outplay them

Two. Same goes for the defense. I would have had the Croats much more timid to cross the center line.

You don't have to be large in football, you have to be skillful and fast.

Im really surprised no one seems to have figured this out by now.

Well, now we have the master.

The speedy Samurai Blue won the hearts of fans with their breath-taking dribbling, body-swerves, power-packed shots, and astute passing bouts. As they return to the Land of the Rising Sun, with their heads held high, Japan footballers and fans will be remembered by their legion of admirers world-wide. Well played Japan. Congratulations to winners Croatia.

I think a large part of the success is due to very low morale among European teams. Germany faced a massive boycott due to Qatar human rights abuses for example.

@master: Then, I assume you wouldn't want Lionel Messi on your team who is 169cm tall,or Michael Owen at 173cm or perhaps Diego Maradona at 165cm?

@theresident Ive heard of Maradona but not the other two. I can only assume they were flanked by big wingers who had their backs and won World Cups?

master

although I'm a relative newcomer to the game of soccer, I have a few thoughts after watching the highlights.

Only American's call it soccer.

Its called soccer just about everywhere except maybe Britain.

You don't intimidate your opponent. You out skill and outplay them

You don't have to be large in football, you have to be skillful and fast.

When was the last time Britain won a Cup? I looked it up and you're tied with the USA since 1966 at Zero.

Physical domination wins in any sport.

penalty shoot-out victory

What was the penalty? Being two excellent competitors?

One of the main reasons I lost interest in Pro ice hockey was when the “whoever” decided to change the game ending rules in 2005 to penalty shots, oh wait, shootouts, instead of play till you drop or someone wins, usually the better team.

what a joke.

Invalid CSRF

One of the main reasons I lost interest in Pro ice hockey was when the “whoever” decided to change the game ending rules in 2005 to penalty shots, oh wait, shootouts, instead of play till you drop or someone wins, usually the better team.

Only regular season, chief. and thats only after a 5 minute overtime period which usually produces a winner.

In the playoffs its play until the sun rises if need be. Like a proper sport should.

Hasn't heard of Messi but is telling us how the game should be played. Sure, pal, sure.

master

   although I'm a relative newcomer to the game of soccer, I have a few thoughts after watching the highlights.

>    Only American's call it soccer.

> Its called soccer just about everywhere except maybe Britain.

This World Cup is held by FIFA.

Guess what that stands for.

Federation Internationale de Football Association

   You don't intimidate your opponent. You out skill and outplay them

>    You don't have to be large in football, you have to be skillful and fast.

> When was the last time Britain won a Cup?

I looked it up and you're tied with the USA since 1966 at Zero.

Physical domination wins in any sport.

That is more than body size.

wallace: "Only American's call it soccer."

While I don't agree with much of anything master has posted, you're wrong. Many nations and their nations call it soccer, including South Africa, Canada, Australia, and most of Asia including Japan, and the name "soccer" itself comes from Britain and was the common name of the sport there until the 20th century. Just a point of order.

smithinjapanToday 10:53 pm JST

wallace: "Only American's call it soccer."

While I don't agree with much of anything master has posted, you're wrong. Many nations and their nations call it soccer, including South Africa, Canada, Australia, and most of Asia including Japan, and the name "soccer" itself comes from Britain and was the common name of the sport there until the 20th century. Just a point of order.

Well, a few more too.

South Africa, Canada, and Australia are previous British colonies. Soccer is still the main term for the game in countries in which there is another major sport called football (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia).

https://www.topendsports.com/sport/soccer/sport-name.htm

Tell_me_bout_it TELL ME SOMETHING" So basically are you saying experience beat youth?

Very average team.

Japan is the only top-of-the-group team that failed to qualify for the next round. Couldnt overcome aging, slow Croatia team. Shows how lucky they were in group stages.

Got lessoned by abysmal Vosta Rica. Were lucky against Germany and Spain.

i think Japan got a little too overconfident after groups.

@master : If you haven't heard of, or ever watched Lionel Messi, then you clearly have no right of having any opinion on Football. Period.

//i think Japan got a little too overconfident after groups.

I think the Messiah Coach got too lofty and forgot to factor in PK.

You can see that he subbed off Doan - the best penalty kicker.

Japan did great - well done - I wished that they had gone further - but what an accomplishment - I think the one thing Japan lacks is the idea/notion of a super-star - it's sort of "un-Japanese" where team is everything and Japan has proven "team" - no doubt - but needs a few "super-stars" - gambatte Japan - hope to see more success in the years to come - Go Blue Samurai!!!