FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan fights back twice to deny Netherlands in 2-2 thriller
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Dallas: A dramatic 88th-minute equaliser from Daichi Kamada rescued a 2-2 draw for Japan against the Netherlands in an electrifying Group F opener. Playing in front of a roaring crowd of 69,285 fans in Texas, the Samurai Blue showcased incredible resilience to split the points in their FIFA World Cup 2026 debut. A historic milestone was also reached before kick-off, as for the first time in World Cup history, the Netherlands fielded a starting XI featuring zero home-based players.
Ronald Koeman’s side looked sharp early on, and just three minutes in, Roma forward Donyell Malen forced a sharp save from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, later testing him again with a powerful header from a corner. Japan found their footing just before half-time when a cross evaded the Dutch defence, but Keito Nakamura pulled his low effort wide.
The Netherlands' aerial dominance paid off right after the break when Liverpool icon Virgil van Dijk rose highest to plant a brilliant header into the bottom corner, assisted by a pinpoint cross from club teammate Ryan Gravenberch on 51 minutes. The Dutch lead lasted just six minutes before Nakamura redeemed his earlier miss by wriggling free and firing a low shot past Bart Verbruggen, aided by a slight deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.
In a frantic second half, West Ham's Crysencio Summerville cut inside from the right wing to curl a beautiful left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner, putting the Dutch ahead 2-1 on 64 minutes. With time running out and both managers ringing the changes, Japan pushed forward, and a chaotic scramble from a late corner allowed Kamada to bundle the ball home, sending the Texas crowd into a frenzy.
Following the match, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed mixed emotions, stating that while he was disappointed they failed to win, he was incredibly proud that his players never gave up, fought hard together as a team, and executed everything they had planned and prepared for.
(Inputs from IANS)