Japan fight back twice to draw with Netherlands in World Cup thriller

Japan produced a spirited comeback after twice falling behind to secure a valuable 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener. The Asian side earned a hard-fought point in dramatic fashion, while the Dutch were left frustrated after failing to hold onto a lead on two occasions.

The Group F match, played in Dallas on Sunday night, saw all four goals come in the second half. Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Netherlands, while Nakamura and Daichi Kamada struck for Japan.

The Dutch dominated possession and created more attacking opportunities throughout the match, but Japan’s resilience ensured they stayed in contention until the final whistle. Both teams attempted 10 shots each, with the Netherlands registering six on target compared to Japan’s three.

Netherlands started brightly, with Donyell Malen missing an early chance in the third minute after his powerful effort was saved. He had another opportunity in the 34th minute but headed straight at the goalkeeper.

Japan also threatened before the break, with Nakamura narrowly missing the target in the 43rd minute, followed by a close effort from Ueda moments later.

The breakthrough came early in the second half when Virgil van Dijk headed home from a Ryan Gravenberch cross in the 51st minute to give the Netherlands the lead.

Japan responded quickly, equalising in the 57th minute when Nakamura’s shot from outside the box took a deflection off a defender and found the net following a cutback from Takefusa Kubo.

However, the Dutch regained the lead just seven minutes later. Summerville, making his international tournament debut after recently breaking into the national team, scored his first international goal with a superb finish from the right side of the box after a Gravenberch assist.

As the Netherlands looked set for victory, Japan struck again in the 88th minute in dramatic fashion. From a corner, substitute forward Koki won an aerial duel, and the ball deflected off Daichi Kamada’s head into the net.

The late equaliser sparked celebrations for Japan, while the Netherlands were left to rue missed opportunities as they surrendered a win in the closing stages.