sport news PLAYER RATINGS: Livakovic stepped up as a HERO in the shoot-out as Perisic ... trends now
Croatia flaunted their knockout experience and triumphed 3-1 on penalties against Japan on Monday to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Having beaten Denmark and Russia in shoot-outs during their journey to the 2018 final, the Croats kept their composure to book a place in the last eight alongside Holland, Argentina, France and England, who qualified this weekend.
Daizen Maeda fired gutsy Japan ahead on the stroke of half-time before Ivan Perisic levelled the scoreboard in the 55th minute, drilling a bullet header past Shuichi Gonda between the posts.
After the match went to a cagey and nervy extra-time tussle, Dominik Livakovic saved three penalties against captain Maya Yoshida and substitutes Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino to seal the victory.
Sportsmail has rated each player's performance from the last-16 clash, which proved an even contest until penalties.
Croatia sealed a 3-1 victory on penalties against Japan to advance into the quarter-finals
Ivan Perisic levelled the scoreboard in the 55th minute with a bullet header in the last-16 tie
Goalkeeper
Shuichi Gonda 7.5
Provided a calm and reliable presence for Japan throughout the match. Unfortunately failed to step up to the plate in the shoot-out.
Defenders
Takehiro Tomiyasu 5
Early mistake handed a golden chance to Perisic, who continually had his number on the wing. Didn't quite look up to it after returning for Japan.
Maya Yoshida 7
Marshalled Japan brilliantly at the back but missed a vital penalty in the shoot-out. Assisted Maeda with a great touch in the box.
Shuichi Gonda (pictured) provided a calm and reliable presence for Japan against Croatia
Shogo Taniguchi 6.5
Offered a threat from set-pieces but missed a big chance early on. Defended bravely for his team and kept Petkovic very quiet.
Midfielders
Junya Ito 6.5
His lightning pace terrorised Barisic and he flashed a few dangerous balls across goal. Tracked back well in defence but lost energy towards the end.
Wataru Endo 7.5
One of Japan's best players thanks to his neat passing and committed tackling. Unsurprising he's led the Bundesliga for duels won in the last two seasons.
Hidemasa Morita 6
Never looked like unlocking Croatia's defence with the final pass. Kept tabs on Croatia's midfield trio well but offered little in attack.
Yuto Nagatomo 6.5
Worked relentlessly on the left in what promises to be his last World Cup. Put in a couple of teasing crosses to test the defence.
Forwards
Ritsu Doan 7.5
Looked lively again after his pivotal goal against Spain. Peppered Croatia with fruitful crosses and his shrewd delivery played a large part in Japan's goal.
Ritsu Doan (pictured) peppered Croatia with fruitful crosses and played a part in the goal
Daizen Maeda 7
Got his
