World Cup 2022 LIVE: Japan vs Croatia team news and line-ups for last 16 tie

Japan were knocked out in the last 16 by Turkey in 2002, Paraguay in 2010 and Belgium in 2018.

The only Asian nations to reach the World Cup quarter-finals are North Korea in 1966 and South Korea in 2002, will Japan become the third nation to do so?

Croatia have lost only two of their eight World Cup knockout games with four wins and two draws. They also progressed from the two drawn matches on penalties – both in 2018.

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has called on his team-mates to evoke the ‘Samurai spirit’ as they aim to overcome 2018’s beaten finalists Croatia and book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

The 36-year-old insists recent improvements in tactics and technique will count for nothing unless his side continue to display the kind of fearless approach that saw them snatch a place in the knockout rounds with stunning victories over Germany and Spain to top Group E.

“I think this is a great opportunity for us to show the world how we can fight like Samurai,” said Nagatomo, now back at FC Tokyo after a career that included spells in Europe with Inter Milan, Galatasaray and Marseille.

Japan averaged only 32% possession across their three group games. Their two wins over Spain and Germany came with 18% and 26% possession respectively.

But, you’d expect Hajime Moriyasu’s side to increase that stat against Croatia today.

England overcame heightened expectations and a bright start by the African champions at Al Bayt Stadium, where they will return this weekend to take on what Southgate called “the very best” in Qatar.

“We’ve got a brilliant tie, haven’t we?” the England boss said of the quarter-final against World Cup holders France. “The two quarter-finals are fabulous football nations, great history, couldn’t be more exciting.”

This will be the third World Cup meeting between the two sides. Croatia won 1-0 in 1998 and they drew 0-0 in 2006, both in the group stage.

Based on the history, expect a tight affair with few goals that could go either way.

The fans are starting to arrive at the Al Janoub Stadium. Which set of supporters will be celebrating later on?

Croatia had a mixed bag in terms of performances during the group stages failing to score against Morocco and Belgium but hammering Canada 4-1 as they progressed as Group F runners-up.

Manager Zlatko Dalic knows his team will be in for a fight tonight after watching Japan’s stunning 2-1 win over Spain.

“When Spain scored the opening goal, I thought Japan were finished, but they never gave up and deserved their victory.” he said,

“The fact that Germany, Belgium and Denmark have all been eliminated illustrates just how strong other teams have been at this World Cup.

“In the past, I might have picked Japan as an opponent that we would want to play, but they have defeated both Germany and Spain. This certainly will not be an easy game for us.”

Surrey Police have confirmed they are investigating a report of a burglary at the home of England forward Raheem Sterling.

England manager Gareth Southgate said on Sunday night the Chelsea star had returned to the UK from the team’s World Cup camp in Qatar to be with his family.

A statement from Surrey Police read: “We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead.”