Croatia just wins pks. They've got it figured out.

And boom save off the bat

That was a horrific try for Japan.

Not a good take from Japan. He was just gambling.

THAT is how you take a penalty.

Goodbye Japan.

WOW

Better take on that one -- good save

How predictable

Damn

Anyone ever won a knockout round penalty shootout missing the first two?

Cheeky. Statistically down the middle is the best conversion percentage.

Wow

I hate teams going out like this

Hanging on to dear life

That was terrible by Croatia wtf

These are really bad kicks.

Japan at penalties are ….not good

And Japan is done. It's like their nuts sucked up in the stomach.

Time to clean the locker room for Japan.

Begging Brazil or Argentina to end the UEFA monopoly on the World Cup

Congrats to Croatia. Happy I get to see Modric play another one.

Always tough for someone to go out on penalties but I thought Croatia was the better side. Glad we get to see Modric at least one more time.

I did really like Japan in this tournament. I thought they played to their strengths very well.

Overall I think Japan was kinda like the US -- they don't have the skill to pass it into the goal in a crowded penalty area. There were times where they'd get a little space just outside the area and chose to try to get a better shot. And Croatia would defend it effectively.

When you're playing a better team I feel like you've gotta settle for less than great chances and see what happens. Maybe you get a fantastic goal, maybe you get a deflection and a little luck, maybe it generates a corner... just think you need to take your chances.

Agree with this. If you are a weaker team offensively better to take a chance on getting an early show on goal and hope for the best rather than positioning for a better shot. that works into the hands of world class defenders and also works to the advantage of the offensives team impending counter.

wangus12 said:

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Begging Brazil or Argentina to end the UEFA monopoly on the World Cup

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eh. I'd rather see a new winner than a non UEFA winner.

Some of the worst PKs I have ever seen there. Wow

Japan prob should have attacked more in the OT

Clearly they are terrible at PKs

Anyone think that Non-best Korea can beat Brazil this afternoon?

Neymar back for Brazil.

Just finished PKs due to a call. I can't believe we saw 3 saves in the WC KO level. Clear saves too not misses. Yes Japan was horrible but props to the keeper. Bummer as I really wanted Japan S Korea, which clearly means we're gonna get Croatia v Brazil

Ya boy just won the Pick-Off this year

bragging here because this football board is far superior to the other one

congrats to Ya Boy- is he a rapper?