The Netherlands conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup
The Netherlands conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup .
Second-half strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville looked to have got the Oranje over the line, but they were pegged back on both occasions as Group F began in Dallas. Fresh off a superb second half of the season with Roma, Donyell Malen almost broke the deadlock in the third minute as he turned on the ball and fired goalwards, only for Zion Suzuki to react well and tip his shot over the bar.
That was the closest either side came to scoring during a first half where chances were at a premium as neither side looked to take too many risks in possession. Ronald Koeman's side did find a way through shortly after the break, however, as Van Dijk rose highest to meet Ryan Gravenberch's cross from the right-hand side and head into the bottom corner.
Japan, though, were behind for less than seven minutes, as Keito Nakamura came inside onto his right foot and hit a low effort that deflected off Jan Paul van Hecke and past Bart Verbruggen. The Netherlands retook the lead when West Ham winger Summerville picked up the ball on the corner of the penalty area, drove inside onto his left foot and curled a low shot past Suzuki and in off the post.
Take Kubo then looked to provide an instant response, but hit a powerful, long-range shot narrowly over the bar. Cody Gakpo forced Suzuki into a save with his legs at the other end, but under increasing Japan pressure, the Dutch couldn't hold on, as Koki Ogawa's 89th-minute header deflected off his team-mate Daichi Kamada and into the top corner.
Bart Verbruggen : Deflection meant he had no chance with Nakamura's goal, but really should have done better with the second equaliser despite it flicking off Kamada. Japan's set up, combined with the Netherlands' lack of adventure, meant he wasn't able to be at his marauding best from right-back. Solid showing from the Brighton centre-back. Unfortunate to deflect Nakamura's drive into the bottom corner.
A couple of sloppy passes apart, was his usual composed self. Well directed header opened the scoring. Used his pace effectively to make a couple of recovery challenges, but doesn't look wholly comfortable at full-back. Bit of a mixed night for the Liverpool man.
Claimed two assists, with his cross excellent for Van Dijk's goal, but needed to do better to close down Nakamura and saw the game pass him by for periods. Tijjani Reijnders :Getty Images SportShowed quick feet in tight areas and put in a couple of dangerous low crosses that weren't rewarded. Took it upon himself to put the Dutch back ahead with a fine finish.
Denied brilliantly by Suzuki early on and looked the Dutch's biggest goal threat during the first half. Faded after the break before being replaced by Depay. Too often rejected the opportunity to take on his man and instead recycled the ball backwards. Did force Suzuki into one second-half save. Getty Images Sport
Please follow us on Google to support us C. Summerville World Cup Netherlands Vs Japan Player Ratings FEATURES
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Women's T20 World Cup: Tournament can 'coexist' with football's World Cup, says ICCThe Women's T20 World Cup in England can 'coexist' with the ongoing football World Cup rather than being overshadowed, says ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta.
Read more »
Women's T20 World Cup: Tournament can 'coexist' with football's World Cup, says ICCThe Women's T20 World Cup in England can 'coexist' with the ongoing football World Cup rather than being overshadowed, says ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta.
Read more »
World Cup 2026: England's first World Cup training sessionEngland have had their first training session in Kansas City - what did we learn?
Read more »
World Cup 2026: Why can't World Cup games kick off on time?A delay to Scotland's Group C tie with Haiti in Massachusetts continued a noticeable trend of tardiness at the 2026 tournament, with none of the first eight matches kicking off on time.
Read more »