Japan have arguably been the surprise standout performers of the World Cup 2022, snatching top spot in a group that featured heavyweights like Spain and Germany. They fought hard against Spain to pick up all three points, with winger Ritsu Doan proving his mettle once more.
Croatia had a much more conservative route to the last 16, including two 0-0 draws, which sandwiched a 4-1 victory over Canada. They made the final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and will be keen to go all the way once more.
The two sides have met twice in previous World Cup matches – a 1-0 Croatia win in 1998, and a 0-0 draw in 2006, featuring a Luka Modric substitute appearance. The scales are tipped firmly in Croatia's favour based on historical evidence, but I can't see them toppling Japan here. Croatia have had a distinct lack of firepower so far, while Japan's ability to get the ball forward and be clinical has helped them beat two recent World Cup winners.
Japan v Croatia: kick-off time and stadium
Japan v Croatia will kick off at 3pm GMT. It will take place at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, which has a capacity of 44,325.
That means a late night for Japanese fans, as the game starts at Midnight JST. Fans in Australia will face a similar fate, with kick-off landing at 2am AEDT. Anyone in the USA looking to catch the action will have a much nicer time, with the game starting at 7am PT / 10am ET.
Japan v Croatia: How to watch if you're out of the country
If you find yourself out of the country during the World Cup 2022, you may find that your usual method of watching doesn't work. Fear not, though – the best VPNs can help you navigate around geo-restrictions, to watch as you would when you were sat at home.
Japan v Croatia: how to watch in the UK
Fans based in the UK can watch every moment of World Cup 2022 action for free. The broadcast rights are shared between BBC and ITV, with the final being shown on both. Oh, and you'll need a TV license.
If you're looking to watch online, you can use BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub to stream the games live.
Out of the country right now?
Use ExpressVPN to watch the World Cup 2022 from abroad
Japan v Croatia: how to watch in the USA
Coverage in the USA is split between FOX and Fox Sports 1, with FOX showing all of the knockout games. If you don't have cable TV, there are still options.
Sling TV offers more than 30 channels including both FOX and FS1. Another option is Fubo TV, which is more costly, but comes with more than 100 channels, including both FOX and FS1, so you can watch every moment.
If you're out of the country and want to keep up with the action, use ExpressVPN to tune in to the World Cup 2022 from abroad.
Japan v Croatia: how to watch in Japan
Japanese fans looking to support their side can do so via ABEMA. The game kicks off at Midnight in Japan.
Japan v Croatia: how to watch in Australia
In Australia, the entire tournament will be free to view on SBS, and SBS On-Demand.
Out of the country for the World Cup? Use ExpressVPN to watch SBS as if you were at home.
