Netherlands held to 2-2 draw by Japan in World Cup Group F thriller

Opening dominance

The Netherlands controlled early possession and created the first clear chance in the 3rd minute when Donyell Malen’s shot was saved by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Malen and Micky van de Ven went close again, while Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda had efforts for Japan before the goalless first half ended.

Van Dijk opens the scoring

Six minutes after the restart, Ryan Gravenberch delivered a cross for Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, who headed in his first World Cup goal to make it 1-0. The Dutch looked to extend their unbeaten record in group-phase openers.

Japan’s swift equaliser

Japan responded sharply. In the 57th minute, Nakamura received the ball on the left, cut inside, and his deflected shot from the edge of the area beat Bart Verbruggen. The goal echoed Japan’s 2022 wins over Germany and Spain, reinforcing their reputation as a dangerous outsider.

Summerville restores the lead, Kamada levels late

Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ advantage in the 64th minute, finishing a Gravenberch pass with a precise shot. The Dutch introduced Memphis Depay and Teun Koopmeiners to see out the win, but Japan kept pressing. In the 89th minute, Junya Ito swung in a corner, Koki Ogawa flicked it on, and Daichi Kamada headed home from close range to make it 2-2.

Group F outlook

The draw keeps the Netherlands unbeaten in their first group-stage match since 1938 (seven wins, two draws), while Japan maintain their record of troubling European sides. With Sweden and Tunisia also in Group F, the group remains wide open.