A sublime late header from Daichi Kamada denied the Netherlands victory and sent the Samurai Blue faithful into delirium as Japan drew 2-2 in dramatic fashion. FIFA World Cup Sunday’s opener at AT&T Stadium in Texas.Defeated, Japan produced one final twist in the pulsating contest when Koki Ogawa’s corner found Kamada in the 88th minute, whose header deflected slightly before squeezing past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The equalizer produced a stunning comeback and ensured both sides began their Group F campaign with a point.
Kamada’s late intervention surprised the Dutch supporters.
The Netherlands, unbeaten in 17 World Cup group stage matches, looked destined to continue the run with maximum points after twice taking the lead in the second half.After a cagey opening 45 minutes, the Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. Ryan Gravenbruch’s delivery found the towering Crows defender, who stooped down to guide a header into the far corner for his 13th international goal.Japan responded quickly. Seven minutes later, Takefusa Kubo played a clever pass to Keto Nakamura, who turned brilliantly and fired a shot past Verbruggen to level the scores.The Dutch regained control in the 64th minute when Crescencio Summerville received a pass from Grevenburch and drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner. The eighth-ranked team cruised to victory before Kamada’s late intervention spoiled the celebration.
Second half fireworks after a quiet opening period
Despite the Netherlands’ dominance in the first half, few clear-cut chances were created. Donnell Millen tested Japanese goalkeeper Xion Suzuki early on, while Japan struggled to convert promising set-piece situations.The game sprang to life after the break, with three goals in 14 minutes changing the atmosphere inside the Dallas venue, where supporters from both countries formed a rousing backdrop.The Netherlands enjoyed close to 60 percent possession and managed six shots on target to Japan’s three. However, Samurai Blue once again showed their resilience and ability to attack when it mattered most.
The battle for Group F is on.
A draw will see both teams go into their second group fixture with a point apiece.The Netherlands face Sweden in Houston next Saturday as they continue their quest for a first World Cup title, while 18th-ranked Japan travel to Monterrey, Mexico to take on Tunisia.
