Daichi Kamada's 89th-minute equalizer earned Japan a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Group F on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The result gave both teams one point after their opening World Cup matches, with Japan mounting a remarkable comeback against the experienced European side.
Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands an early lead in the 50th minute, but Keito Nakamura equalized just seven minutes later for Japan. Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch advantage with a "sizzler" in the 64th minute, setting up what appeared to be a comfortable finish for Ronald Koeman's team.
Japan pressed relentlessly in the closing stages. Kamada struck in the 89th minute to rescue a point, leaving both teams tied at the top of Group F with one point each. The Netherlands face Sweden on June 20, while Japan plays Tunisia on June 21. Sweden and Tunisia meet on June 15 to complete the opening round.
Referee Ismail Elfath (USA) oversaw the match. The late Japanese equalizer extends Group F uncertainty and demonstrates that even strong European teams cannot assume comfort against well-organized opposition.
→ Match stats and preview on ScanGoal