Kolkata : Japan came back to hold the Netherlands late on in Dallas as substitute Koki Ogawa’s header was deflected in by Daichi Kamada to reward the Samurai Blue for their perseverance.
The Netherlands had looked set to become the early FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group F frontrunners after Crysencio Summerville’s 64th-minute goal. However, as they had done during the 14-minute goal burst earlier in the second half, Japan showed their mettle to secure a point.
After an initially cagey contest under the roof at Dallas Stadium, this group opener sprang into life when Virgil van Dijk headed back across goal from a Ryan Gravenberch cross.
Japan had beaten Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 after conceding first, and they rallied through Keito Nakamura’s super low strike. Yet on his third Oranje appearance, lively winger Summerville stepped inside to curl a perfectly measured shot in off the post. The lead lasted until Ogawa’s header from a corner flicked Kamada on its way past Bart Verbruggen.
A quieter first half had been enlivened by the duel between Donyell Malen and Japan No1 Zion Suzuki, while the keeper also saved from Cody Gakpo. However, Japan would not be cowed by Ronald Koeman’s Oranje and gave a hint of things to come with efforts from Nakamura and Ayase Ueda.
Post match, the late hero Kamada said, “We were saying before the match that we needed to get at least a point. The game turned into a difficult one, but we were able to show what we had prepared, and it was good that we managed to come away with at least a point. Against a strong side like the Netherlands, if you go 1-0 down, it can easily become 2-0 or 3-0. The fact we fought back and earned a draw shows the character of this team. We had a disappointing second match at the last World Cup [against Costa Rica], so this time we want to get three points and secure qualification.”
Brief Scorecard :
Netherlands goals: Van Dijk (50), Summerville (64)
Japan goals: Nakamura (57), Kamada (89).
