Japan put up a gritty display and made a comeback in their World Cup Group F opener on Sunday, where they salvaged a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
Japan clinched the thrilling draw after Daichi Kamada’s late goal in the 88th minute. Koki Ogawa’s powerful header was heading towards goal before it glanced off Kamada’s head and wrong-footed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
It was Japan’s second equaliser of the match. The Samurai Blue had earlier fallen behind when Crysencio Summerville curled in a fine effort after Keito Nakamura had cancelled out Virgil van Dijk’s opener early in the second half.
Japan went into the game at Dallas Stadium without captain Wataru Endo, who was ruled out due to injury. But the four-time Asian champions responded well to the absence of their influential midfielder with a determined display.
“The players did a solid job of carrying out what we had targeted and prepared for,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said.
“There had been various incidents even before the opening match. But in that first match, there was a real sense of unity.
“Even with unexpected accidents and situations we had not anticipated, I think the players stayed calm and composed and overcame the reality in front of them.”
Japan had to stay alert from the start as goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made an important save in the third minute, tipping Donyell Malen’s effort over the crossbar.
The early scare helped Japan settle into the game as they began controlling possession.
Hiroki Ito put in a strong defensive shift and denied Malen in the 34th minute. Soon after, Suzuki was called into action again, saving another header from the Dutch forward following a corner.
Japan came close to taking the lead before halftime. Keito Nakamura dragged his shot wide after being picked out by Ritsu Doan’s cross, while Ayase Ueda struck the side netting moments later.
The Netherlands started the second half strongly and got the breakthrough six minutes into it.
A free-kick from Tijjani Reijnders was partially cleared to Frenkie de Jong, who quickly moved the ball to Ryan Gravenberch. The Liverpool midfielder delivered a perfect cross for club teammate Virgil van Dijk, who headed home via the inside of the post.
Japan struggled early in the second half but responded within seven minutes. Takefusa Kubo’s cutback found Nakamura, whose shot took a deflection before finding the bottom corner.
The score remained level for only seven minutes. Summerville restored the Dutch lead with a brilliant left-footed strike from just inside the box, curling the ball beyond Suzuki.
Kubo later fired over the bar as Japan searched for another response. Their persistence paid off in the closing stages.
Ogawa powered a header towards goal and the ball deflected off the unsuspecting Kamada before beating Verbruggen, securing a deserved point for Japan.
The result left Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman disappointed after seeing his side surrender the lead twice. The Dutch will next face Sweden in Houston in their second group match.
“It’s disappointing,” said Koeman. “You come ahead twice and you don’t end up winning the game, but you shouldn’t underestimate the strength of our opponent. That’s my opinion.”
