Zenit defender Dejan Lovren played his fourth match at World Cup in Qatar after participating in Round of 16 clash with Japan.

After regular time and extra 30 minutes the score was 1-1 with Daizen Maeda giving the Japanese the lead and Ivan Perisic tying the game from Lovren’s assist. In the penalty shootout the Croatians won 3-1, two former RPL players Nikola Vlasic and Mario Pasalic took their attempts successfully. Lovren also finished the game as captain due to Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic substitutions.

Croatia reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the third time, they will face the winner of Brazil vs Korea Republic match. The Croatians’ quarterfinal fixture will take place on 9 December.