Croatia's experience leveled the field. Ivan Perišić scored a powerful header in the 55th minute from a Dejan Lovren cross.

Japan took a deserved lead in the 43rd minute through Daizen Maeda , who pounced on a loose ball following a short corner.

Croatia triumphed , largely thanks to a historic performance by their goalkeeper. Japan Taker Croatia Taker 1 Takumi Minamino Nikola Vlašić 2 Kaoru Mitoma Marcelo Brozović 3 Takuma Asano Marko Livaja 4 Maya Yoshida Mario Pašalić

The game ended after both regulation and extra time (AET).