Nigeria, Dec. 6 -- Croatia are through to the quarter-final phase of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but it wasn't in any way easy as they required the lottery of penalty kicks to edge out Japan.

After battling to a 1-1 draw in the regulation period and extra time, Croatia prevailed 3-1 in the ensuing penalty kicks at the Al Janoub Stadium.

It was a similar scenario for Croatia in the 2018 Russia World Cup where they weathered the storm and went all the way to the final before losing to France.

Japan, who have recorded comeback wins in their previous World Cup games, scored first in Monday's knockout tie against Croatia.

Maeda Daizen's finish to Maya Yoshida's flicking header at the cusp of the first half gave the Asians the lead.

Howev...