Livakovic the hero for Croatia as Japan are made to pay penalty

Dominik Livakovic saved three penalties to send 2018 finalists Croatia into the World Cup quarter-finals and inflict more knockout heartbreak on Japan.

Having never before reached the last eight of the competition, Japan fell at the same stage as they did in 2002, 2010 and 2018, losing 3-1 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw.

Celtic striker Daizen Maeda had put Japan in front just before half-time, only for Ivan Perisic to level with a fine header.

Four years ago they suffered a last-gasp loss to Belgium, having held a two-goal lead, and yesterday at Al Janoub Stadium Japan saw their quarter-final ambitions go up in smoke following a string of dreadful penalties.

Livakovic saved tame efforts from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida as Croatia squeezed through.

Takehiro Tomiyasu tussled with Perisic in the early stages and his back pass was intercepted by the Tottenham man, but Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda was equal to his strike.

Daichi Kamada could only fire well wide when played in by Wataru Endo, but moments later they hit the front.

A short-corner routine led to Ritsu Doan crossing to the back post, where a couple of ricochets saw the ball land at the feet of Maeda, who made no mistake from close range just before the break.

Their lead would not last long as Perisic drew Croatia level with a powerful header from just inside the box as he got on the end of a pinpoint cross from Dejan Lovren to steer his effort past Gonda.

Japan came close to restoring their advantage almost immediately, Livakovic tipping a rasping Endo shot over his crossbar.

Gonda was at full stretch at the other end to palm a dipping Luka Modric effort behind for a corner, with both sides fancying themselves for the win as the hour mark came and went.

Minamino took the first penalty after a quiet extra-time period, a poor effort which Livakovic kept out with ease as Nikola Vlasic lashed Croatia ahead.

Livakovic continued his heroics, saving another spot-kick from Mitoma before Marcelo Brozovic put Croatia in the driving seat.

Takuma Asano finally got Japan on the board at the third time of asking and their hopes of a comeback were temporarily improved as a nonchalant Marko Livaja effort hit a post.

Captain Yoshida also missed, however, Livakovic saving for a third time in the shootout, allowing Mario Pasalic to tuck home and send Croatia through.

Livakovic saves during the penalty shoot-out.