Home
In a captivating Group F encounter at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, the Netherlands and Japan played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. The first half ended goalless, and all four goals came in a frantic second half.
ADVERTISEMENT
Netherlands and Japan share thrilling 2-2 draw in 2026 World Cup opener
Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Dutch in the 51st minute with a powerful header; however, the lead did not last long. Japan responded swiftly, as Keito Nakamura leveled the score just minutes later.
Crysencio Summerville then restored the Netherlands' lead in the 64th minute with a clinical strike to take the lead, which once again did not last. The resilient Samurai Blue refused to lie down. In the 89th minute, Japan equalized through a late set-piece goal, all thanks to Daichi Kamada showcasing their trademark fighting spirit and leaving the Dutch ruing missed opportunities to seal the win.
Japan's goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was widely praised as a standout performer, making several crucial saves, particularly in the first half, to keep his side in the contest. The match highlighted Japan's ability to compete without several key players, twice coming from behind against a talented Dutch side.
ALSO READ: Germany thrashes Curacao 7-1 in 2026 FIFA World Cup opener
ADVERTISEMENT
