Mane is main threat for Japan

CROATIA can match their ‘miracle’ run to the 1998 semi-finals, says Ivan Perisic. Croatia are in the last 16 for the first time in 20 years and Perisic said: ‘It was a miracle but we can come close to their achievement.’ JAPAN coach Akira Nishino says stopping Sadio Mane is the key to his side’s chances against Senegal today. Mane was excellent in Senegal’s 2-1 win against Poland, who often doubled up on the Liverpool winger. Nishino said: ‘It’s possible to stop him, but we are concerned.’ He is also worried by Senegal’s physicality. ‘We are smaller and lighter,’ he said. ‘We will have to use our brains.’