It was a tale of two contrasting halves in Dallas as the Netherlands took on Japan in a Group F clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The encounter ended 2-2, with the Samurai Blue extending their unbeaten run, which dates back to October 2025. Having fallen behind twice during the game, Japan fought back on both occasions to earn a point against the European giants.
The Netherlands largely dominated proceedings, at least for the opening hour, enjoying superior possession throughout. But Japan, as they have shown repeatedly, are never a side to be written off. Zion Suzuki was kept busy from the opening stages of the Sunday late-afternoon clash, making a string of saves before eventually being beaten for the first time in the 50th minute.
Ronald Koeman’s side started in a 4-3-3 formation and threatened the Japanese goal almost immediately after kick-off. Cody Gakpo’s right-footed effort from 15 metres was met with a strong save from Suzuki, setting the tone for the contest. Although the first half ended goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock, Hajime Moriyasu’s men were arguably the happier team heading into the dressing room.
The Dutch skipper, Virgil van Dijk, finally broke the deadlock with a sublime header into the far corner from 10 metres out, perfectly connecting with a diagonal cross from Ryan Gravenberch. It was the Liverpool defender’s first World Cup goal.
Japan’s equaliser came almost out of nowhere, and it arrived quickly. Keito Nakamura, who plays his club football for Reims in France, produced a brilliant low strike from 20 metres that nestled into the bottom-left corner after being set up by Takefusa Kubo.
A similar effort from Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ lead in the 64th minute. Once again, Gravenberch was the provider as Summerville’s left-footed strike from 20 metres out found the back of the net.
As they say in football, a one-goal lead is never safe, and Japan proved exactly why. This time, the Asian side took control, launching wave after wave of attacks on the Dutch defence. Gravenberch, who had provided both assists, was withdrawn for Nathan Aké as Koeman looked to shore things up defensively, but the tactical switch failed to have the desired effect.
Right on the edge of regulation time, Daichi Kamada unwittingly deflected home a header from Koki Ogawa’s initial contact. The deflection left Bart Verbruggen with no chance as Japan snatched a deserved equaliser.
In the other Group F fixture, Sweden will take on Tunisia in Monterrey, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 am IST.
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