By cy.Reporter, 05 December, 2022
Japan-Croatia, round of 16, knockout, stadium: "Al Janoub", referee: Ismael Elfaeth, 17:00, RIK2
Japan: To continue on the same path
After the two upsets against Germany and Spain, Japan needs one more victory, this time against Croatia, in order to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. In the team's competitive matters, defender Itakura will be out due to cards, while Kubo is doubtful due to an infection.
Croatia: With the experience for another qualification
Armed with their defensive function and experience, Croatia wants to take another step to get even closer to the World Cup. In her group she finished in second place, but remains unbeaten. Stanic and Sosa are doubtful for the match, while the rest of the players are available for today's match.
Japan: 4-2-3-1: Goal: Goda, defenders: Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Yoshida, Ito, midfielders: Morita, Tanaka, midfielders: Doan, Kamada, Ito, forward: Maeda
Croatia: Livakovic, Defenders: Juranovic, Lovren, Guardiol, Barisic, Midfielders: Modric, Kovacic, Brozovic, Forwards: Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic
MATCH STATISTICS
· There have been over 2.5 goals in three of Japan's last five matches
· In three of Japan's last five meetings, both teams have scored
· In two of Croatia's last five matches, there have been over 2.5 goals scored
Brazil-South Korea, round of 16, knockout stage: "974", referee: Clement Turpan, 21:00 RIK1
Brazil: To continue with victories
After taking first place in the group stage of the competition, Brazil wants to achieve one more victory and find itself in the quarter-final stage of the institution. Brazil look serious both offensively and defensively with balance in their lines. In the team's competitive issues, Neymar shows that he overcame his injury and will be available, on the contrary, Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the tournament due to injuries.
South Korea: Make a surprise
After defeating Portugal and qualifying for the knockout stage since 2010, South Korea will face one of the big favorites to win the event, however, as with Portugal, qualification is the aim. In competitive matters, Paolo Bento returns to the bench, while defender Kim Min-jae is a doubt.
Brazil: 3-2-3-1: Goal: Ederson, defenders: Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo, midfielders: Paquetas, Casemiro, midfielders: Rafinha, Neymar, Vinicius, Forward: Richarlison
South Korea: 4-2-3-1: Goal: Gyu, defenders: Hwan, Gwon, Won, Soo, midfielders: Yang, In-beom, midfielders: Hoon, Jeong, Son, forward: Sung
MATCH STATISTICS
· There have been over 2.5 goals scored in two of Brazil's last five matches
· In four of Brazil's last five matches, only one of the two teams has scored
· There have been over 2.5 goals scored in two of South Korea's last five matches