Daizen Maeda and Josip Juranovic will go head to head in the last 16 of the World Cup after both Japan and Croatia qualified for the knockout stages – and Celtic attacker Maeda has sent a message to Juranovic on Instagram.
Maeda, 25, started for Japan for the second time in their third group match on Thursday evening. Maeda had started against Spain in the 2-1 win, but was hooked – before being an unused sub in the defeat to Costa Rica.
He was reinstated against Spain, another shock 2-1 win for the Japanese. In a group that included Germany and Spain, they finish top. Croatia meanwhile, finished second behind the impressive Morocco – and will now take on Japan.
Juranovic has started all three games for Croatia, alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic. Croatia limped into the last 16 despite drawing with Belgium, having drawn with Morocco and beaten Canada.
Maeda posted on Instagram his delight at helping Japan reach the knockout stages. A wonderful achievement given the strength of their group. He said: “Onto the next round, thank you for your support. Let’s fight for more.”
Celtic attacker Maeda sends message to Juranovic on Instagram
It is an interesting tie. Croatia have serious amounts of quality. Experienced players all over the park that have played at the highest level. Japan do not have that, but what they do have, is energy and youth – an unrelenting work rate.
No-one embodies that more than Maeda – as Celtic fans will know. Even Ally McCoist said during commentary on Japan’s win over Spain that Maeda’s work rate is “absolutely unbelievable”. Now, Maeda and Japan face Croatia.
Who comes out on top? It is a difficult one to predict, but Croatia will be considered favourites due to the names in their side. Juranovic posted a series of hearts on Maeda’s Instagram, to which Maeda replied: “see you soon”.
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