Doha (AFP) - Croatia midfielder Lovro Majer hailed World Cup surprise package Japan for having "heart and courage" ahead of their last 16 confrontation on Monday.
The Asian side remarkably topped Group E ahead of Spain, who finished second, leaving four-time champions Germany and Costa Rica eliminated.
Japan came from behind to beat both former World Cup winners Germany and Spain in remarkable upsets, up against teams filled with star players.
Majer said he did not expect Japan to finish top of the group but that they deserved their achievement.
"I have to be honest, I didn't expect that, no one expected them, in the world of football," Majer told a press conference Saturday.
"But kudos to them, they showed that in football they don't just play with names, but with heart and courage.They deserved this.
"We expect a tough game, it's the knock-out phase.
"We expect a very tough game with a lot of running and fighting, we feel that we are ready and we are looking forward to the game."
Croatia have caused surprises themselves in the past and finished as runners up at the 2018 World Cup.
They thrashed Canada 4-1, with Majer on the scoresheet, as well as drawing 0-0 against both Morocco and Belgium to qualify in second place from Group F.
Majer says there is no chance his team will underestimate Japan, having seen plenty of shocks at the tournament, with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina, Tunisia overcoming France and Brazil tumbling against Cameroon.
"If you underestimate someone, today, it will bite you back," added Rennes midfielder Majer.
"We have seen there have been immense surprises at the World Cup -- what does it mean to be a favourite in that context?
"The most important thing is to get ready for the match and the opponent."
Croatia and Celtic defender Josip Juranovic will face club team-mate Daizen Maeda in the clash at Al Janoub Stadium.
"We watched the match against Spain all together," said Juranovic.
"I play with Maeda at Celtic, he's a very good player.I already congratulated him on qualifying from the group, we are looking forward to seeing each other on the pitch."
