Japan 1-1 Croatia (1-3 pens): Livakovic the hero as Japan denied historic quarter-final
Livakovic saved three penalties to send 2018 finalists Croatia into the World Cup quarter-finals and inflict more knockout heartbreak on Japan.
Japan
Souness goes full conspiracy theorist; claims ‘something untoward’ is going on at FIFA after Japan-Spain
Graeme Souness tried his hand at being a conspiracy theorist after Japan’s win over Spain as he thinks “something untoward” is going on at FIFA.
Japan 2-1 Spain: Samurai Blue repeat Germany heroics as both teams progress into knockout stages
Japan mounted a remarkable second half fight back to beat Spain 2-1 to book their place in the World Cup knockout stages along with the European side.
Costa Rica miracle puts Spain brilliance in perspective to curb CONCACAF criticism
Football, eh? Costa Rica’s smash and grab put the only brigade in their place as we drool over Spain ahead of their clash with Germany.
Germany 1-2 Japan: Flick’s side left fearing early World Cup exit again after shock defeat
Germany have slipped to defeat in their first World Cup group game once again as Japan battled back from behind to win at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Holland boss after Japan win: ‘Let’s continue writing history!’
Holland boss Sarina Wiegman has called on her players to continue writing history.
Wenger lined up to take over World Cup overachievers
Arsene Wenger spent a year managing in Japan before taking over at Arsenal. Back again?
F365 Says: All hail this World Cup, where ignorance is bliss
Belgium were the latest team to make us look silly. Ignorance is bliss…
Japan coach admits tactics were ‘a little bit regrettable’
“It was a very risky situation. The message I sent out to the pitch was to stay put and the players listened.”
Japan 0-1 Poland: Well done for not getting booked
Japan reach the last-16 thanks to being awarded fewer bookings than Senegal. Sheesh.
Japan 2-2 Senegal: The Power of Dreams
Keisuke Honda scored a late equaliser for Japan as they drew 2-2 with Senegal.
World Cup Big Weekend: Germany, Mexico, Kane, Mitrovic
Germany might be going out of the World Cup after *two games*. That’s… unusual.
Portrait of an icon: Hidetoshi Nakata
Hidetoshi Nakata was not the best player of the last 20 years, but he might be the most important.