Brazil turn on the style against South Korea to underline status as favourites

Croatia beat Japan on penalties in the World Cup quarter-final. It was the seventh consecutive set of penalties won by the side shooting second. Croatia have become one of the toughest sides to beat in recent tournaments. Japan's goalkeeper, Alisson, made a number of saves in his first World cup knockout game. Japan had alternated between exiting at the group stage and the last 16 every four years since 1998. This time, they made it to the first knockout stage. They were drawn in a group with previous winners Germany and Spain. The team won the game and made the quarter finals. Their previous World Cups ended in group stages.