Croatia and Japan still in with a shout
Croatia’s 0-0 draw with Japan means that both teams are in with a chance of qualifying for the last 16 in their final group games. However, Japan will need to beat Brazil to do so. Croatia really should have won this match, as they created numerous chances only to be defeated at vairous times by poor finishing, the woodwork and Kawaguchi. Their best chance came from the penalty spot in the first half but Srna’s effort was well saved by Kawaguchi. Kawaguchi then almost scored a bizarre own goal from a back pass. The ball bobbled unexpectledly as he swung his foot at it and he was lucky that the ball went out for a corner.
Again in the first half Niko Kranjcar, who has been widely criticised in the Croatian press for his performances at at whom accusations of nepotism have been directed (his dad is the coach), produced a great shot on the turn which hit the bar. He also had a good chance in the second but Klasnic’s pass was slightly too far ahead of him and as he stretched he steered his shot wide.
Japan’s midfield duo of Nakamura and Nakata looked bright, but their attack was toothless and Pletikosa was rarely troubled. Zico’s team look to be on their way home.
