FT: Netherlands 2-2 Japan
Daichi Kamada scored a dramatic late equaliser as Japan fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in an entertaining FIFA World Cup Group F opener at Dallas Stadium.
Kamada’s 89th-minute header, which deflected in from Koki Ogawa’s effort following a corner, rescued a deserved point for the Samurai Blue after the Dutch had twice taken the lead.
After a cautious first half, the match burst into life after the restart. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring in the 50th minute, heading home from Ryan Gravenberch’s cross to give Ronald Koeman’s side the advantage.
Japan responded seven minutes later through Keito Nakamura, whose powerful low strike beat goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to level the contest.
The Dutch regained control in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville cut inside and curled a precise effort into the net to restore their lead. The goal appeared to put the Netherlands on course for victory as they looked set to take command of Group F.
However, Japan refused to surrender. Their persistence was rewarded in the closing stages when Ogawa met a corner with a header that glanced off Kamada and beyond Verbruggen to spark celebrations among the large Japanese support in Dallas.
The draw capped a spirited performance from Hajime Moriyasu’s side, who once again demonstrated the resilience that has become a hallmark of recent World Cup campaigns.
The Netherlands had the better opportunities in the opening half, with Donyell Malen testing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki on several occasions, while Cody Gakpo also came close. Japan gradually grew into the match and created chances of their own through Nakamura and Ayase Ueda.
While the Dutch will be disappointed to have surrendered two leads, Japan will take confidence from earning a point against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his players for their determination.
“Even though we fell behind twice, the players never gave up and fought hard together as a team,” he said. “Against a strong side like the Netherlands, coming back to earn a draw shows the character of this team.”
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk admitted the late equaliser was frustrating.
“We defended well for long periods, but conceding from a set-piece is disappointing,” he said. “We take the point and focus on the next match.”
The result leaves both teams with one point in Group F. The Netherlands will face Sweden in their next match, while Japan take on Tunisia.
