The best player from 1986

• Where can I watch the match live? – BBC One
• Where is the game going to be played? – Al-Janoub Stadium, Al-Wakrah
• What is the starting time of the fixture? – 15:00 UK, 16:00 CET

Can Croatia repeat their success from Russia 2018?

Japan

In the group with Germany and Spain, not many people saw Japan getting to the next stage. However, Japan managed to do exactly that, beating both of the giants in the process despite trailing at half-time in both matches. However, Japan also managed to lose to Costa Rica in the third game in group stages and it's a question whether they would be here if Spain needed a win or a draw in order to get to the next stage. Still, it's an impressive result for Japan and now they can hope to get even further in Qatar.

When it comes to team news, Japan will be without suspended Ko Itakura after he picked up a couple of yellow cards in group stages. Also, Takefusa Kubo is questionable with muscular discomfort.

Japan Predicted Lineup: Gonda (GK), Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Yoshida, Ito, Morita, Tanaka, Nagatomo, Doan, Maeda & Kamada

Croatia

The finalists at the last World Cup in Russia were the favorites to get out of Group F and they duly delivered. However, it was far from easy, which was also expected. After drawing with Morocco and beating Canada, Croatia needed at least a draw against Belgium and in a very exciting match, they managed to hold to a scoreless draw. That being said, Belgium was so close to scoring and sending Croatia home, which can be a cause for worry ahead of the last 16.

Meanwhile, Josip Stanisic will miss this match with an injury, while Stuttgart's Borna Sosa battles a fever, so he is questionable for this game.

Croatia Predicted Lineup: Livakovic (GK), Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Barisic, Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Kramaric, Livaja & Perisic

Player to Watch – Luka Modric

At the age of 37, Luka Modirc is still pulling the strings for the Croatian national team. He might not have a goal or and assist to his name in Qatar but Modric still dictates the tempo of most games he plays in and is certainly the catalyst for Croatia's performance at the last few major tournaments. The diminutive midfielder is a joy to watch, his close control and passing ability are second to none, even though he is approaching 40. If Modric has another good game today then Croatia are likely to progress into the Semi-Finals.

Modric for Croatia: 158-caps, 23-goals (2006-2022)

Modric is so key to the way Croatia play that The Times released an article earlier today titled Japan vs Croatia: Agents of chaos must disrupt Luka Modric's metronomic tempo. This piece goes on to explain that Japan's chances of success lay upon their ability to disrupt Luka Modric's flow. Japan have been playing a pressing game and that has brought success against some big teams like Germany and Spain but it will be interesting to see if they can fluster the old mistro this afternoon.