Japan had some impressive performances in the group stage, but they’ll have a tough time getting past Luka Modric’s team. So, what if Croatia beats Japan today?
Although not as flashy as Brazil, France or England, the Croatian team has certainly made a name for itself over the past few years. They are even the reigning FIFA World Cup runners-up after an impressive performance in Russia.
Croatia had a slow start to the group stage with a draw with Morocco but then bounced back in a big way to defeat Canada. They then almost beat Belgium in the final match of the group stage, but a draw was enough to advance.
Controversy aside, Japan did an excellent job securing a place in the round of 16. It came back to beat Germany, lost to Costa Rica and then put the cherry on top of the sundae when it beat Spain.
Qatar 2022: What If Croatia Beat Japan In The Round of 16?
But, all things considered, even oddsmakers agree that Croatia should be favored ahead of this game. That hasn’t meant a lot to Japan in the past, but the truth is that the European side should win this matchup.
Should that be the case, then Croatia would move forward to the quarterfinals. There, they’d face the winner of the winner between Brazil and South Korea. Japan, on the other hand, would be eliminated from the competition and sent back home.
