Croatia boss always had faith in Livakovic
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic was certain goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic would star in the penalty shootout victory over Japan as his three saves saw the 2018 finalists reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
Having never reached the last eight, Japan fell at the same stage as they did in 2002, 2012 and 2018, losing 3-1 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Livakovic kept out tame efforts from Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida as Croatia went through, the Dinamo Zagreb keeper equalling the record for the number of saves in a World Cup shootout.
Dalic was always confident his No 1 would shine. He said: “We had a fantastic goalkeeper. Today he was great, he saved each of the penalties in a very strong and stable manner.
“We practised penalties in training yesterday and he made several saves. When he had the penalty shootout today I was assured, yesterday he installed this confidence and I was sure he would show that capacity today.
“We couldn’t be dominant, but we have shown a strength of character. The Japanese might have underestimated us, never do that to Croatia. Weareasmallnationbutwefightfor what we want.”
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu insiststhenationareenteringa“new era” of football, having progressed from Group E against the odds.
“Although the result was not what we expected I told them it does not negate everything we did,” he said.
“We could not break through the round of 16 and we could not have a new perspective or see a new landscape, but the Japanese national team won against Germany and Spain, who have been champions in the World Cup.
“The players showed a new era of Japanese football I think and they shouldusethisfeelingofbeingupset and try to win in the next time.
“In the end, of course we wanted to win and the result is very unfortunate, but it is what it is. It does not negate all of the effort of the players.
“The players can be confident that they can play on the world stage. They showed how good they can play in such a tournament like the World Cup and I hope they keep on the same way and I think Japanese football can continue to grow.”