Croatia qualified for the quarter final after defeating Japan 3-1 on penalties in their round of 16 of the on going World Cup.
Daezen Meada opened scoring for the Asians late in the first half, but Croatia restored parity in second half.
After full and extra time had ended 1-1, the match went into penalties.
Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma missed Japan’s first two kick while Nikola Vlasic and Marcelo Brozovic converted to put the Europeans two goals up.
Takuma Asano scored Japan’s third kick to give the Asians a glimpse of hope.
Marko Livaja missed Croatia’s third kick, but instead of taking advantage of the miss, Maya Yoshida missed the fourth kick.
Atalanta midfielder Mario Pasalic, converted his penalty kick to give Croatia the day. They will meet Brazil, who defeated South Korea 4-1.
