For the first time in FIFA World Cup 2022, it is Japan who have scored first. Minutes before the end of the first half which seemed to be heading towards a goalless one, Japan's Daizen Maeda's goal following a corner routine put Japan in the lead in the 43rd minute of the match. Although there was a VAR check for a possible offside, much to the delight of the Japanese fans, the goal stood.
While Japan would want to maintain the lead for the rest of the match, Croatia would want to draw inspiration from their match against Canada where they conceded an early goal but came back to win the match 4-1.
Have a look at Japan's goal here:
