Netherlands Let Two Leads Slip as Japan Rally Late for 2-2 Draw in World Cup Opener

Netherlands Let Two Leads Slip as Japan Rally Late for 2-2 Draw in World Cup Opener

The Netherlands and Japan opened Group F with a 2-2 draw Sunday in Arlington, with both sides earning a point in one of the sharpest matches of the tournament so far. Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock in the 51st minute for the Dutch before Keito Nakamura answered quickly for Japan. Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands lead in the 72nd minute, but Japan struck again late when Daichi Kamada forced home the equalizer in the 88th.

The Dutch controlled long stretches of possession and created the cleaner chances, but Japan stayed composed and punished defensive lapses. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several key first-half saves to keep the match scoreless, allowing Japan to stay within reach before the second-half surge. The draw leaves Group F wide open after Sweden’s 5-1 win over Tunisia earlier in the day.

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu praised his team’s discipline afterward, saying his players “stayed calm” and trusted the game plan after falling behind twice. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman admitted his side “did not manage the game well enough” after surrendering both advantages. Both coaches pointed to the quality of the opposition in what could become one of the tightest groups in the tournament.

The Netherlands return to action June 20 against Sweden in Houston, a match that could decide the group lead. Japan face Tunisia on June 21 in Dallas, with three points critical after Sweden’s early advantage atop Group F.