I made a thread about gatekeepers in football and my conclusion is that Croatia is the ultimate gatekeeper. It's fitting enough that Japan go out against Croatia, because if I were to create a thread about the countries lurking outside the gate then Japan would be one of the first countries I think of. They have made it past the group stage in 3 out of the last 4 world cups, which is pretty impressive. 2 times out on penalties, 1 time knocked out by peak Belgium. Nothing to be ashamed of that!
I like what I saw from Mitoma, Ito and Doan, but we're too stacked on the wings. I'm sure some of these players will be picked up soon. Mitoma has hardly gotten any playtime for Brighton, so I wonder if that will change now.