Tomiyasu’s Japan knocked out of World Cup

Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Japan were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia on Monday.

THE LOWDOWN: REMARKABLE TOURNAMENT 

Japan and Tomiyasu started their journey in Qatar with a bang, beating former champions Germany 2-1 before losing 1-0 to Costa Rica in the second game.

However, an incredible effort against Spain, saw them claim another three points and ended up finishing the group as winners.

In the three group games, Tomiyasu played twice and was a key component of their progression before their elimination at the hands of Croatia on Monday.

THE LATEST: HOW IT HAPPENED

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Japan’s amazing World Cup run came to an end on Monday after they were eliminated by Croatia in the round of 16 on penalties.

The Japanese took the lead just before the breakthrough Daizen Maeda, however, they were pegged back in the 55th minute thanks to an excellent header from Ivan Perisic.

After the additional 30 minutes of extra time and neither side could find the net again, a penalty shootout was required to decide the winner of the contest.

The Samurai Blue saw three of their attempts saved by Croatia shot-stopper Dominik Livakovic to end their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

Tomi played all 120 minutes of the clash at the Al Janoub Stadium.

As for Tomiyasu, he had a fine tournament despite the injury problems he had to help his side reach this stage of the competition. He made three appearances in total.

THE VERDICT: PROUD EFFORTS

Japan and Tomiyasu should be proud of their efforts in Qatar, as they simply punched above their weights to top a group that had two former world champions.

Focus for the right-back will now be his place at Arsenal, which he needs to stay fit to fight for in the remaining parts of the season.