More to gain from Croatia progressing than Japan

With 12 days before Celtic are back in action, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Aaron Mooy are now out of the World Cup and will soon be back in Glasgow, rested and ready for action.  This afternoon, either Josip Juranovic (Croatia) or Daizen Maeda (Japan) will also be out of the competition, while one will progress to the quarter finals.

Daizen is likely to be eased back into action gradually, I don’t expect him to see our next outing at Aberdeen.  Josip is the clear first choice at right back and with Alastair Johnston unable to play until the transfer window opens on 1 January, Josip is the player we are likely to miss most, if his stay in Qatar is extended again.

Winners of Croatia- Japan are likely to face Brazil (should they overcome S. Korea) at the quarter final stage on Friday.  If Josip is looking for a move, that would be a perfect theatre to showcase his talents.  You might also consider that it does our competitive advantage in the Japanese market any good if Japan continue to beat quality European sides.  Maybe best for Croatia to progress.

It’s a stretch, but if Japan or Croatia managed to overcome Brazil of S. Korea, one of them would be in Qatar until the final weekend or the tournament, after Celtic kick off against Aberdeen.