The Asian community across the World was in huge anticipation of the wind blowing its way as the World Cup reached its business end. Japan and South Korea who have carried the Asian mantle for long were expected to make further inroads into the Tournament. However it was not to be. The Day 16 promised a lot but it folded with the departure of the Asian contingent. Let us see how it came about.
Japan vs Croatia : 1(1)- 1(3)
Japan were scintillating in the Group Stages and with victories over Germany and Spain, the giants of world football they not only came through a very tough group but topped it. It was no mean achievement. Croatia on the other looked scratchy and somehow managed to come through their group. So when the squared up at the Al-Janoub Stadium, Japan surely had the edge and so was proved when the hardworking, always on the prowl Daizen Maeda scored just before half time. The deadlock was broken.
Croatia have been an experienced team with some big match players, however surprisingly Luka Modric hardly moved forward and was happy to sit back in a defensive role. Infact he was hardly visible in the first half. But the goal from Maeda changed the course of the match. A more purposeful Croatia came out in the second half with Ivan Perisic, the prolific scorer for them making several runs from the left flank. Japan too in this period became loose and gave possession away rather easily. That phase of 10 minutes turned the match on its head. Seizing the opportunity, Perisic headed home to get Croatia on level terms in the 55th minute.
The header was nothing short of spectacular from the edge of the box. The pace of the cross was utilised by Perisic. The placement was perfect and Shuichi Gonda did not have a chance. One of the best goals of the tournament. Both teams slugged it out but no goals came through even at the end of Extra Time. Penalties it was going to be. The team which held its nerve was the one going to get through.
Livakovic – The Hero for Croatia
The body language of the Japanese was a reflection of what was about to unfold. They completely floundered a great opportunity. The meek penalties with neither power nor precision were easily saved by Dominic Livakovic, the young Croatian Goalkeeper. The experienced Croatians scored their penalties and sent Japan out of the Tournament. For Japan it was an unexpected end to a campaign which promised so much. While for Croatia, they did find their mojo eventually, held their nerves when it mattered most and earned their victory.
Brazil vs South Korea ( 4-1 )
Brazilians were expected to win, but seeing the performance of the South Koreans in the Group stage and the quality they possess, the Samba kings were in for a tricky contest at the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium also known as the Stadium 974. However, Brazil had different ideas and they came out with all guns blazing.
The Unmatched Brazilians
The style, the skill, the swagger of the golden boys of football was all on display as Vinicius Jr scored in the 7th minute. The Brazilian star made it look so easy and scored with some attitude. By the time the match reached its 36th minute, Brazil were already 4-0 ahead, with a penalty from Neymar, a brilliant skillful goal from Richarlison and the fourth from the ever lurking Lucan Paqueta. The resounding strikes just killed the match in the first half itself.
The South Koreans were stunned beyond measure. They had no answer to the speed and guile of the marauding Brazilians and they simply watched as the match was taken away from them. In the 76th minute though, the Koreans had a consolation goal through an amazing thunderbolt from Paik Seung-ho, beating Alisson Becker comprehensively, who till that time had a great game. The strike will go down as one of the best in the Tournament and that was all to cheer for the Koreans as they were completely outclassed by a much superior team. For Brazil, they look good enough for some silverware and stopping them would require a Herculean effort. They would be more than ready to take on Croatia in the Quarters.
As the lights went off at the Stadium 974, the Asian challenge too got extinguished . The Arabian night swung from some average football to some charismatic one on Day 16 and so did the fortunes.
Day 17 would see the African challenge coming from Morocco as they face Spain, culminating with the final match of the Round of 16 with Switzerland taking on a plucky Portugal. Watch out for the daily updates and reviews @ rizkhan.in
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