Netherlands let slip late equaliser as Japan hold them to 2-2 draw in World Cup Group F opener

First-half stalemate

The Netherlands started aggressively, with Donyell Malen forcing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into a diving save in the third minute. The Dutch forward again tested Suzuki heading a corner in the 34th minute, but Japan's keeper parried it away. Japan settled after a nervy opening and came closest when Nakamura's shot from the penalty spot drifted wide in the 44th minute, before Ueda struck the side netting moments later. The teams went into the break scoreless.

Second-half explosion

Ronald Koeman's side found a breakthrough six minutes after the restart. Virgil van Dijk met a Dumfries cross from the right with a towering header that cannoned off the underside of the bar and in to make it 1-0. Japan responded almost immediately: Takefusa Kubo's powerful drive took a deflection off Nakamura in the 57th minute, wrong-footing Verbruggen and levelling the score. The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville cut inside from the right and bent a precise left-footed finish into the far corner, giving Suzuki no chance.

Late drama

Japan pushed forward urgently, pinning the Dutch back with set pieces. Koeman's team appeared to have weathered the pressure until an 89th-minute corner caused panic. Ogawa's header was only partially cleared, and Daichi Kamada rose highest to nod the loose ball past Verbruggen from close range. The Crystal Palace midfielder's late intervention silenced the Dutch contingent and earned a point that had looked unlikely.

Key performers

Van Dijk delivered both a commanding defensive display and the opening goal. Summerville's dribble and finish highlighted the Oranje's wide threat. Japan's Suzuki produced crucial stops to keep his side in the contest. Kamada's equaliser capped a resilient performance from the Samurai Blue, who refused to fold after falling behind twice.

Group F outlook

The draw leaves Group F balanced. The Netherlands, considered favourites, now face an uphill battle against Japan's organisation and spirit. With neither side gaining an early advantage, the remaining group-stage matches become pivotal for a place in the last 32. Japan's ability to strike back twice suggests they will trouble any opponent, while the Dutch must tighten their set-piece defending.