Today’s World Cup Matches 2022: Updated FIFA Fixtures, Monday, December 5 Match Schedule

A place in World Cup history is on offer for Japan today, as the Samurai Blue look to write another chapter in their storied saga in Qatar 2022.

Few would have predicted the Asian side’s progress to this final. In the so-called ‘Group of Death’, they were expected to be separated by heavyweights Spain and Germany, and potentially also dispatched by Costa Rica.

As it turned out, Los Ticos were only able to beat them in the group stage. A 2-1 come-from-behind win gave Japan famous wins over first the Germans and then La Rosa, as they topped the pool and booked a place in the knockout stages.

Ritsu Doan was the hero, coming off the bench to score the decisive goals in both games.

Next up for Hajime Moriasu’s side is Croatia – defeated in the final at Russia 2018 four years ago, and runners-up in Group F.

With Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic pulling the strings in midfield, the Croats will present as tough a test as Germany and Spain did on paper, but Japan has the added motivation of knowing this win represents their best progress yet. A World Cup.

Whoever passes, the tests will be tougher, and Brazil’s ominous prospects loom large on the horizon.

The Selecao are up against another Asian side who battled through the groups in today’s game: South Korea.

Son Heung-min and Co. came within minutes of their exit from the final group stage, with Hwang Hae-chan’s injury-time goal securing a dramatic 2-1 place in the round of 16 over Portugal. 16.

Brazil, meanwhile, remains on track to extend their record as the most successful team in tournament history with a sixth World Cup win, with Neymar likely to be fit to play at least part of the game.

World Cup Match of Today

The Round of 16 continues today, with both Japan and Brazil in action. Here’s how the day is shaped.

World Cup Match of Tomorrow

Here’s what Tuesday looks like when the Round of 16 ends in Qatar.