Japan produced a stirring comeback twice over to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a pulsating Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Monday, denying the Oranje what had looked like a comfortable victory with two goals in the final half hour.
The first half was a cagey affair of high quality but few clear-cut chances. Both sides probed intelligently, with Japan’s wing-backs providing a consistent threat down the flanks and the Netherlands enjoying their best spell midway through the half. Donyell Malen forced an excellent early save from Zion Suzuki, who reacted sharply to turn away a well-struck effort from close range, and a powerful downward header from Malen from a Tijjani Reijnders corner was also repelled. Japan went closest to breaking the deadlock before the break when Keito Nakamura dragged a controlled shot just wide after collecting a cross from the right.
The Netherlands found the breakthrough six minutes into the second half. Ryan Gravenberch picked up a loose ball wide on the right, whipped a precise cross towards the far post and Virgil van Dijk found space to plant an accomplished header back across Zion Suzuki and inside the far post.
Japan levelled almost immediately. Working the ball patiently on the left, Nakamura drifted into a central position, turned sharply and whistled a low right-footed shot from the edge of the area that took a nick off a Dutch defender and flew past Bart Verbruggen. The goal was initially credited to Daizen Maeda but was subsequently confirmed as Nakamura’s.
The Netherlands restored their lead within seven minutes through a moment of real quality. Gravenberch, outstanding throughout, played a short pass to Crysencio Summerville on the right edge of the area. The winger cut inside onto his left foot and swept a precise curling shot that bounced past Suzuki into the far corner. It was Summerville’s first international goal and capped a remarkable rise for a player who had been uncapped just weeks before the tournament.
With the game seemingly won, the Netherlands introduced Memphis Depay, Teun Koopmeiners and Quinten Timber from the bench, and Japan responded with a triple substitution of their own. The Samurai Blue pushed forward with increasing urgency and were rewarded in the 89th minute. Substitute Koki Ogawa met a deep cross at the near post, his header deflecting off the head of Daichi Kamada and looping over the helpless Verbruggen. It was a fortunate intervention but one Japan thoroughly deserved for their persistence.
Gravenberch finished with two assists on his World Cup debut, while Van Dijk’s goal and Summerville’s moment of brilliance ensured the Netherlands were the better side for much of the contest. But Japan’s resilience and attacking quality in the final quarter demonstrated precisely why they entered the tournament as one of Asia’s most credible contenders.
Both sides will feel they could have won the match. The draw leaves Group F finely poised ahead of their remaining fixtures.
