IBARAKI -- After an opening match loss to Mexico, it looked like the Croatian soccer team would be here just long enough to sample a little sushi, maybe check out Tokyo Tower and then jet off back to Europe.
But that all changed Saturday evening at Kashima Stadium when Croatian midfielder Milan Rapaic lofted a shot past stunned Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the 76th minute to give his side a controversial 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Group G favorite, Italy.
Italy were particularly aggrieved after having two goals disallowed in controversial circumstances during the game, the first for a dubious offside by striker Christian Vieri.