Juranovic explains surprise decision
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Round of 16 - Japan v Croatia - Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar - December 5, 2022 Japan's Daizen Maeda with Croatia's Josip Juranovic after the penalty shootout REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Josip Juranovic has explained why he didn’t take a penalty during Croatia’s World Cup win over Japan.
After a goal apiece the match went to extra-time then penalties with the Celtic full-back prominent as Croatia pushed for the goal that would take them into the last eight.
As a regular with Celtic’s very limited supply of penalties, hoops supporters were looking to see their man join Daizen Maeda on the scoresheet as the tie headed into penalties.
Some horrendous efforts from the Japanese meant that Croatia only required four takers to get a 3-1 passage into the next stage, speaking to the Daily Mail Juranovic said:
I was sixth man in the queue. I actually wanted to take one because I take them at Celtic and I wanted to do it in the World Cup.
I missed my last one against Real Madrid, but that’s football. Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score. I scored seven, I missed one, it happens.
Croatia now face Brazil on Friday with the tournament favourites booking their last eight place with four goals in 36 minutes to see off South Korea.
Tony Ralston is more than capable of playing at right-back with new signing Alistair Johnston unavailable until the registration window opens on January 1.