Japan twice rally to draw with Netherlands in World Cup opener
Daichi Kamada’s late deflected goal gave Japan a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Texas after Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville had put the Dutch ahead.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Japan salvaged a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands on Sunday after scoring in the 88th minute in their opening World Cup match in Texas. AFP reported that Daichi Kamada was credited with the late equaliser after a deflection, denying the Dutch a winning start in front of 69,285 spectators.
The match was one of the more closely watched early group-stage fixtures, with both teams viewed by AFP as possible dark horses despite injury absences. The Netherlands have reached three World Cup finals without winning the title, while Japan are still seeking a first run beyond the last 16.
After a quiet first half, the game turned sharply after the interval. Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands the lead in the 51st minute, Keito Nakamura levelled six minutes later, and Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch advantage in the 64th before Japan struck late.
Dutch start brightly
Ronald Koeman’s side began with more threat and nearly scored inside three minutes. AFP reported that Donyell Malen turned in the penalty area and forced Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into a sharp save.
The match was played in the air-conditioned stadium normally used by the Dallas Cowboys. During the hydration break, the NFL team’s cheerleaders appeared on the large screen above the field, according to AFP.
The Netherlands pushed again after that stoppage. Malen tested Suzuki with a header from a corner, while Cody Gakpo later sent an effort well over the bar.
Japan’s supporters outnumbered the Dutch fans and kept up steady noise, AFP reported, but their team created little before halftime. Their best opening of the first period came when a cross passed beyond the retreating Summerville and reached Nakamura, who put a low shot wide.
Second half opens up
The Dutch had looked dangerous from aerial balls, and their opener came from that route. Ryan Gravenberch delivered the cross, and Liverpool teammate Van Dijk headed into the bottom corner in the 51st minute.
Japan answered quickly. Nakamura worked free and shot low past Bart Verbruggen, with AFP reporting that the ball took a slight touch off Jan Paul van Hecke on its way in.
The game then swung back to the Netherlands in the 64th minute. Summerville beat his defender on the right and curled a left-footed finish into Suzuki’s bottom-right corner.
Both managers made substitutions as the match stretched, and AFP reported that each side had chances to add another goal. Japan found the decisive one from a late corner, with Kamada’s effort taking a deflection before going in.
The draw leaves both teams with one point in Group F. AFP reported that Sweden were scheduled to face Tunisia later Sunday in the same group.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.