Differences between set pieces and high balls

Because both Croatia and Japan actively played tightly and scientifically, set pieces became powerful weapons for the two teams to put pressure on the opponent's goal.

In the first half, Japan had 5 set pieces (2 free kicks and 3 corner kicks). And the way the East Asian players took free kicks was very special. They did not cross the ball immediately but often coordinated very annoyingly. In fact, because the Croatian players were taller and better at heading the ball, coach Hajime Moriyasu's students proactively handled free kick situations with a few passes, passes, and beautiful combinations to disrupt the defense of the Eastern European team. And the team from the land of the rising sun was successful.

From a corner kick in the 43rd minute, the Japanese players passed the ball far away from the corner post for Ritsu Doan to cross into the Croatian penalty area. The ball was cleared but landed right at Maeda's feet so that the striker could finish close to the goal, defeating goalkeeper Gonda. Clearly, the well-planned and well-rehearsed free kick combination helped Japan neutralize the Croatian players' excellent ability to play high balls. Meanwhile, coach Zlatko Dalic's team also took full advantage of set-piece situations to cross the ball high, causing trouble for Gonda's goal.

Croatia's equalizer at 1-1 in the second half also came from a free kick on the right wing for veteran Perisic to head a dangerous ball into the far corner of goalkeeper Gonda. If Japan is a team that knows how to choose the right time to punish the opponent from set pieces, then Croatia also makes a difference from high ball situations.

In another development, the Brazilian national team was criticized for dancing and teasing the Korean national team. Roy Keane looked down on the stars of the Brazilian national team, saying that they were "disrespectful" when they danced and celebrated after scoring against the Korean national team.

Notably, at Vinicius's opener, Brazil showed off a series of pre-planned dances to celebrate, something that did not please Keane.

"A fantastic finish from Vinicius, a great start to the game. But I've never seen so much dancing," Keane said. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was like a lack of seriousness."

Brazil continued to show off their various dance moves for subsequent goals, with coach Tite even joining in when he mimicked Richarlison's dove-like celebration after the third goal.

"I don't like it. People say it's their culture. But I think it's really disrespectful," Keane continued. "There were four goals and they were dancing for all four. I didn't mind the first one. But then the manager joined in. I wasn't happy about it. I didn't think it was good at all."