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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