The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in their Group F opener on June 14. This result maintains a unique achievement: the Dutch have never lost a first group-stage match in any FIFA World Cup tournament.
In 10 opening group matches across World Cup history, the Netherlands have recorded seven victories and three draws. No other major footballing nation has maintained such consistency in opening matches of the group stage.
Crysencio Summerville scored for the Netherlands, but Japan came back with Daichi Kamada's 89th-minute equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw. The result leaves the Dutch with one point in Group F, which also includes Sweden and Tunisia.
This record reflects decades of Dutch World Cup participation and their sustained competitive quality at the tournament's highest level.
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