World Cup 2022: Reasons for Croatia to be confident of beating Japan in last 16

Having broken new ground to reach the final in Russia at the last World Cup, when they were beaten 4-2 by France in Moscow, head coach Zlatko Dalic will be determined to see his group of players progress as far as possible once again.

After remaining unbeaten from three matches to finish second in Group F, the 56-year-old will be confident of taking Japan all of the way at the very least at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah.

Here, Sports Mole looks at some reasons for Dalic's side to be confident of advancing to the final eight of the competition in Qatar.

Midfield ability and experience

There is little doubt that Croatia's greatest strengths lie in their midfield triumvirate of Luka Modric, Matteo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.

Kovacic has replaced the internationally retired Ivan Rakitic from the trio which helped Dalic's side almost lift the trophy in Russia, providing even more dynamism given the Chelsea man's ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet.

Although the 2018 Ballon d'or winner Modric is four years older, the 37-year-old's powers do not appear to have particularly waned, with the Real Madrid midfielder averaging more than two tackles, interceptions and fouls per game so far in Qatar.

On the ball, of course, is where Modric can weave magic, with his neat interplay alongside Kovacic and the under-rated Brozovic capable of taking the game away from Japan.

Defensive stability

Despite reaching the final in Russia, Croatia actually conceded nine goals across their seven matches, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five games.

However, the only time Croatia's defence has been breached so far in Qatar was by Alphonso Davies's early strike for Canada before his nation succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, with Dalic's side playing out goalless draws against Morocco and Belgium.

While it would be easy to point at a potential lack of firepower given their lack of goals, on the flipside the Checkered Ones have looked pretty secure at the back, with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol particularly imperious against the Belgians.

With Japan able to call upon an array of tricky customers in attack - both from the start and from the bench - the likes of former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren will hope to continue their strong start to the tournament.

Unbeaten in two against Japan at World Cups

Monday's meeting at the Al Janoub Stadium will be the third time that Croatia have met Japan at a World Cup, having avoided defeat against them in both of their previous matches against them.

Davor Suker's late strike earned a hard-fought win against them at France '98, with the former Arsenal striker going on to win the Golden Boot as Croatia remarkably claimed a third place finish at their first ever World Cup.

The two nations played out a goalless draw at Germany '06, as both nations were eliminated from Group Fat the first hurdle.

Only Modric remains from that meeting in Nuremberg 16 years ago, but footballers can be superstitious creatures nonetheless, and their strong historical record may make them feel more confident of beating their forthcoming opponents.

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