Netherlands let lead slip twice as Japan fight back for 2-2 draw in World Cup opener

Match overview

Netherlands and Japan opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw at Dallas Stadium. The Oranje led twice but could not hold on, with Daichi Kamada scoring in the 89th minute to earn Japan a point. The result leaves the group finely balanced ahead of Saturday's matches against Sweden and Tunisia. 69,285 fans watched a contest that was goalless at the break but burst into life after the interval.

First half stalemate

The first half offered little. Netherlands had more possession but Japan defended compactly. Donyell Malen forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the third minute and headed another chance straight at him before halftime. At the other end, Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda both went close late in the half, but neither side could break through.

Second half drama

Ronald Koeman's side struck quickly after the restart. Ryan Gravenberch, provider of both Dutch goals, delivered a cross that captain Virgil van Dijk headed in off the inside post. Japan hit back within seven minutes when Nakamura equalised. Crysencio Summerville, replacing the injured Memphis Depay, restored the lead in the 64th minute, again from a Gravenberch assist. Japan pressed for a second time, and Kamada punished a Netherlands side that had tried to see out the match, scoring late from an Ogawa pass.

Japan's strong form continues

Japan entered the match unbeaten in eight games and having kept over 500 minutes without conceding. The Samurai Blue, featuring three Bundesliga players in the starting eleven including captain Ritsu Doan, have now beaten Brazil and England in that run. This draw extends their unbeaten stretch.

Group outlook

The group also includes Sweden and Tunisia. Netherlands next face Sweden, while Japan meet Tunisia on Saturday.