Japan have defied the odds and made it out of the group stage in great fashion, finishing as leaders of Group E. The Asian team producedupsets against Spain (2nd) and Germany, who missed out on a ticket to the Qatar 2022 round of 16.
The Japanese national teamset up a meeting with Croatia for a place in the quarterfinals, a stage it has never reached at a World Cup so far. Therefore, this could be a historic game for Japanese soccer.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu has made three changes to the lineup, withTakefusa Kubo being dropped from the matchday squad. Check out why the winger is missing this crucial game.
Why is Takefusa Kubo not playing for Japan against Croatia
Takefusa Kubo has been ruled out for Japan’s game against Croatia due to injury. The Real Sociedad star had to be subbed off at halftime vs. Spain, and he missed training in the weekend.
Will Japan manage to advance without their star?Using this World Cup Predictor, you can see every potential outcome of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.
