The Dutch are paying to close shop and Japan’s bailout deserves a point
Japan again showed their typical resilience on the World Cup stage as they twice came from behind to earn a deserved 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a pulsating Group F encounter.
For a long time it seemed that the Dutch would come away with all three points. They led twice in the second half and took the initiative after a forgettable opening 45 minutes. However, a combination of Japanese persistence and Dutch conservatism eventually swung the momentum and Hajime Moriyasu’s side grabbed a dramatic late equalizer that could prove crucial in the race for qualification.
The result will be celebrated in the Japanese camp as a display of performance against arguably their toughest opponents in the group stage. However, the Netherlands will be feeling frustrated after allowing a winning position to slip away on two separate occasions.
The first half did not live up to expectations, with both sides struggling to create meaningful opportunities. While the Dutch had more possession, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested as the game went into the break goalless.
Everything changed after the break.
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NETHERLANDS TAKE CONTROL
The breakthrough came in the 51st minute and came from a familiar source. After a recycled free kick, Ryan Gravenberch delivered the ball back into the penalty area, where Virgil van Dijk found himself completely uncovered.
The Dutch captain made no mistake, heading into the bottom corner to score his first goal at a major international tournament. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Netherlands. (Image: Reuters)
The strike appeared to calm Dutch nerves and offer Ronald Koeman’s side the platform they needed to dictate proceedings.
However, Japan responded remarkably effectively.
Despite creating little in attack up to that point, they found Keito Nakamura’s equalizer six minutes later. Takefusa Kubo showed composure on the left wing before picking out a teammate on the edge of the area. Nakamura’s first effort took a slight deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke before beating the keeper to restore parity.
This goal injected energy into the match and forced the Netherlands to increase the intensity again.
JAPAN BACK
The Dutch response was swift and emphatic.
In the 64th minute, Crysencio Summerville produced one of the goals of the tournament so far. The winger seized possession outside the penalty area, darted across the edge of the box before unleashing a stunning left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
It was a moment of real quality and looked likely to secure victory for the Netherlands.
Instead of pushing for a third goal, however, the Dutch gradually retreated deeper into their own half, allowing Japan greater control of possession and territory.
Sensing an opportunity, Moriyasu reacted decisively.
The Japanese coach introduced a series of attacking substitutions, making it clear that his side would be chasing the game rather than settling for narrow defeat. The changes transformed the match, with fresh legs and renewed belief putting the Dutch defense under increasing pressure.
As the final minutes ticked by, Japan’s persistence finally paid off.
A corner into the penalty area caused confusion among the Dutch defenders. Koki Ogawa rose highest to direct a header at goal and although goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was able to try to help, he was unable to keep the ball. The last goal came from Daichi Kamada, who equalized in the 88th minute.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Japanese players and fans, who felt their side had earned the result through sheer determination.
It was a painful lesson in game management for the Netherlands. Twice they held the lead and twice they did not defend it.
Japan, meanwhile, left the field with a valuable point and growing belief that they can challenge for top spot in Group F after proving once again that they are never beaten until the final whistle.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
15 Jun 2026 03:41 IST