
DOHA -- Ahead of Japan's match against Croatia on Monday in the round of 16 at the Qatar World Cup, Samurai Blue coach Hajime Moriyasu made it clear he is not underestimating the Croatians, who he said "play with great flexibility and tenacity."
Runner-up at the previous FIFA World Cup, Croatia is captained by 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric.