Japan staged a spirited late comeback to hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining FIFA World Cup Group F opener on Saturday, denying the Dutch all three points with a crucial equaliser just two minutes from time.
After a goalless first half, the match burst into life in the second period. The Netherlands struck first in the 51st minute when captain Virgil van Dijk rose to score, finishing off a cross created by Ryan Gravenberch to give the Oranje the breakthrough.
Japan responded swiftly six minutes later through Keito Nakamura, who found the net in the 57th minute after being set up by Takefusa Kubo. The equaliser shifted momentum and highlighted Japan’s resilience against one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
The Dutch regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished clinically after another assist from the influential Gravenberch. At 2-1, the Netherlands appeared on course for victory as they controlled large spells of the contest and looked comfortable heading into the closing stages.
However, Japan refused to surrender. Their persistence paid off in the 88th minute when Daichi Kamada struck the decisive equaliser, converting a chance created by substitute Koki Ogawa to silence the Dutch supporters and secure a valuable point for the Asian side.
The result leaves both teams with a point from their opening Group F fixture. While the Netherlands may rue missed opportunities after leading twice, Japan will take great confidence from their determined comeback as the race for qualification continues.
