Watch: Ivan Perisic scores great header for Croatia against Japan

Originally posted on BenchWarmers | By Luka Foley | Last updated 12/5/22

Croatia are taking on Japan in today’s first of two more Round of 16 ties.

The Japanese are hoping to cause yet another upset after beating Spain and Germany in the group stages and make it to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, while Croatia are aiming for their third World Cup last-eight place.

Japan took the lead just before half-time when Daizen Maeda poked home from inside the area as Croatia failed to impress, but ten minutes into the second half, Ivan Perisic levelled the score with a great header to spark some life back into his side.

Dejan Lovren sent a cross in from the midfield area and Perisic managed to leap highest to direct his header into the far corner from 13 yards out.

"Gorgeous cross. Golden header!"

Ivan Perisic has pulled Croatia back level with superb header for his first goal at this World Cup

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Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds and get more on the @BBCSport app #BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 5, 2022

It puts the game on tenterhooks with just over half an hour of normal time remaining, as the two countries fight it out for a place in the last eight, where they could face either Brazil or South Korea.

This article first appeared on BenchWarmers and was syndicated with permission.

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