News Focus
- Daichi Kamada scores an 89th-minute equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw for Japan
- Virgil van Dijk gives the Netherlands the lead with a powerful header after half-time
- Crysencio Summerville puts the Dutch ahead again with a superb left-foot finish
- Keito Nakamura levels for Japan with a deflected strike in the second period
- A crowd of 69,285 watches the dramatic Group F opener at Dallas Stadium
Daichi Kamada scored a late goal to earn Japan a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their Group F match. The Japanese midfielder found the net in the 89th minute after a deflected header fell to him inside the box.
The game took place in Arlington, Dallas, in front of 69,285 fans. The first half was slow and offered little action. However, the second period provided plenty of excitement with four goals.
The Netherlands took the lead early in the second half. Virgil van Dijk rose high to head the ball into the net from a cross by Ryan Gravenberch. But Japan equalised seven minutes later. Keito Nakamura shot from distance, and the ball took a deflection off defender Jan Paul Van Hecke before flying past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutch looked set to win the match when Crysencio Summerville curled a beautiful shot into the far corner with his left foot. The young winger only made his first appearance for his country earlier this month. However, Japan refused to give up. Kento Shiogai headed the ball towards goal, it hit Kamada, and Verbruggen could only push it into his own net.
Both teams showed weaknesses they must fix. Japan started the match with little belief and only played their best football after falling behind. They also missed the injured Kaoru Mitoma. The Netherlands were in control until manager Ronald Koeman replaced midfielder Gravenberch with defender Nathan Ake in the 81st minute. This change invited pressure and cost them the victory.
Japan have beaten strong teams like Brazil and England in recent months. They will need to start matches with more confidence if they want to succeed in this tournament. The Netherlands must also learn to close out games when they are ahead.