Japan and Croatia played to a 1–1 draw on Monday, 5 December 2022, in the Round of 16 of the World Cup at the Al Janoub Stadium. The match kicked off at 15:00 UTC on Matchday 16 of the tournament, with the United States' I. Elfath serving as referee. Japan held a 1–0 lead at half-time, but Croatia fought back to level the score after the break, forcing the tie into extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.

For Japan, the draw was a bitter disappointment after taking the lead...