Japan rescue a point in dramatic finish
The World Cup delivered another surprise as Japan came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in a tense Group F match outside Dallas.
On a hot afternoon in Texas, Daichi Kamada scored in the 89th minute to deny the Dutch a win that had looked close. His deflected finish sparked wild celebrations from the Japan bench and supporters, while the Netherlands were left frustrated after twice taking the lead.
The result kept Group F open and gave Japan what coach Hajime Moriyasu called a very meaningful point against one of the strongest teams in international football.
Netherlands control the ball but Japan stay alive
The match began as a bright spectacle inside Dallas Stadium, with Japan in blue and the Netherlands in their classic orange. The Dutch took control early and almost scored after three minutes when Donyell Malen turned well and forced Zion Suzuki into a strong save.
Ronald Koeman started Malen in attack, despite earlier hints that Memphis Depay could be ready. Japan used attacking midfielders in the wing back roles, with the back three that Moriyasu has relied on since the 2022 World Cup.
Frenkie de Jong helped the Netherlands dictate the rhythm, while Japan tried to respond with short bursts of high pressing. The Dutch had the better numbers by halftime, with 67 percent possession and far more passes.
Japan still had a good chance before the break when a move down the right ended with Keito Nakamura shooting just wide.
Van Dijk opens the scoring after halftime
The Netherlands finally went ahead five minutes into the second half. Virgil van Dijk met the ball with a well placed header, sending it in off the far post.
At that stage, Japan looked pinned back and short of control. But they reacted quickly, especially down the left side. Six minutes later, a sharp passing move ended with Nakamura striking a right footed shot into the corner, helped by a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.
Japan’s momentum was then broken by the second hydration break. The pause changed the rhythm of the game and allowed the Netherlands to regain control.
Summerville strikes before Kamada answers late
The Dutch pushed forward again and found space between the lines. In the 64th minute, Crysencio Summerville received the ball from Ryan Gravenberch, moved inside and curled a fine left footed finish into the far corner to make it 2-1.
Japan did not fold. As they had after the first Dutch goal, they regrouped quickly and kept searching for another response.
The final minutes brought real drama. A dangerous corner from the left caused trouble in the Dutch box, and Kamada’s effort took a deflection before finding the net in the 89th minute.
The draw left Group F looking wide open, with the final round of fixtures already carrying the promise of a tense finish. Dallas also passed its first major test as a World Cup venue, producing a full stadium and a lively match.
