The Dinamo Zagreb shot-stopper saved penalties from current and former Premier League stars Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida.
Croatia had fought back from a losing position during the 120 minutes at Al Janoub status in a match where Ivan Perisic secured himself legendary status.
The 33-year-old latched onto Dejan Lovren’s hopeful punt to equalise with a stunning header past Shuichi Gonda in his side’s last-16 World Cup clash.
The Tottenham star has now surpassed iconic striker Davor Suker’s nine goals after taking his tally to 10 at major tournaments.
He already held the record for most assists with seven at World Cups and European Championships and kept his country’s second golden generation alive in a tournament.
His impact was crucial after Daizen Maeda scrambled in his finish after a brilliant Ritsu Doan cross in the 43rd minute.
In extra time, both sides squandered chances, particularly the substitutes Mitoma and Lovro Majer.
This older group of players avoids the fall that Belgium’s suffered through their participation in Group F with Croatians.
Manager Zlatko Dalic saw both Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic retire, leaving stars like Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic to keep the team competitive.
Only one top young talent in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is coming through, who is currently a major transfer target for Chelsea and Manchester City.
After beating Japan in the early kick-off in Qatar, they know they will face either Brazil or South Korea in the quarter final.
Brazil would be clear favourites if they face Croatia but they have shown they are not just a Modric team once again, with Perisic capable of causing an upset.
