Japan has missed its chance to advance to the quarterfinals at the men's soccer World Cup in Qatar. The Samurai Blue lost to Croatia on penalties.

This was the third World Cup to pit Japan against Croatia which was the runner-up in 2018.

Japanese soccer fans are trying Croatian food at a restaurant in Tokyo, ahead of the Japan-Croatia match in the World Cup knockout stage.

Restaurant owner Kawasaki Satsuki opened "Dobro" in Tokyo's Chuo Ward after working in Niigata Prefecture during the Croatian national team's stay there in the 2002 World Cup. Japan and South Korea co-hosted that event.

The head of the Japan Football Association says the coach of Japan's national team may stay in his post after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Moriyasu Hajime's current contract expires at the end of the tournament.

JFA President Tashima Kohzo spoke to reporters in Doha on Saturday after Japan secured a spot in the knockout stage for the second consecutive tournament. The Samurai Blue squad beat former champions Germany and Spain in Group E.

In the men's soccer World Cup, Japan again came from behind to seize victory. Japan defeated former champion Spain 2-1 in a Group E match, advancing to the knockout stage.

Spain took the control of the game at the beginning, with Alvaro Morata scoring in the 11th minute.

Japan's squad is looking to bounce back from Sunday's loss to Costa Rica in the 2022 soccer World Cup finals in Qatar's capital of Doha.

Japan and Spain will face off on Thursday, local time, or 4 am Friday, Japan time. Japan needs at least a draw to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages.

In the men's FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Japan lost 1-0 to Costa Rica at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Sunday.

Japan's coach Moriyasu Hajime changed several starters from the first match against Germany.

Japan's soccer squad is preparing for its next match against Costa Rica on Sunday in the FIFA World Cup.

Japan ranks 24th in FIFA standings, while Costa Rica is 31st.

The Japan men's soccer team faces Costa Rica on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup, and expectations are running high among fans heading to the tournament in Qatar.

At Narita Airport near Tokyo on Friday afternoon, a 66-year-old man said he was already excited, adding that he is optimistic about the Samurai Blue advancing to the knockout stage.

In the World Cup, Japan pulled off its biggest upset since first appearing in the tournament back in 1998.

The Samurai Blue came from behind in Wednesday's Group E clash to defeat four-time champion Germany 2-1.

German media have reacted with shock to the country's loss to Japan in their opening match at the World Cup soccer tournament in Qatar.

Wednesday's online edition of Sport Bild had a headline saying, "Debacle start for Germany!"

Japanese soccer fans are creating a buzz after a viral video showed them helping to clean up after the opening game of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Sunday.

Video creator Omar Farooq from Bahrain posted the footage.

Japan's soccer squad faces a crucial World Cup opener against four-time champions Germany. The Group E match is set for Wednesday in Qatar.

The Samurai Blue has a history of relying on first match results in the tournament.