■ Japan[2 wins, 1 loss | 6 points | 1st in Group E]
Round 1: vs. Germany 2-0 (◯)
Round 2: vs. Costa Rica 0-1 (×)
Round 3: vs. Spain 2-1 (◯)
The Japanese national team passed the group league E Group, which was said to be the group of death, at the top. In the group league, they won two once morest Germany, ranked 11th in the FIFA rankings, and Spain, ranked 7th in the same FIFA rankings. Although they lost to Costa Rica, they won two big gold stars once morest two countries that have won the championship. They topped the group of death in 1st place with 6 points.
■ Croatia[1 win, 2 draws | 5 points | 2nd in Group F]
Round 1: vs Morocco 0-0 (△)
Round 2: vs. Canada 4-1 (◯)
Round 3: vs. Belgium 0-0 (△)
Last year’s runner-up, Croatia, finished second in Group F with 1 win and 2 draws. Although they finished scoreless once morest Morocco and Belgium, they scored four goals in Round 2 once morest Canada and won comfortably. Undefeated and advanced to the final tournament.
