Japan earn late 2-2 draw with Netherlands in Texas World Cup opener

ARLINGTON, United States (AFP) — Japan grabbed a point from their World Cup opener on Sunday, scoring in the 88th minute to finish 2-2 with the Netherlands after twice trailing before 69,285 spectators in Texas.

The contest took time to loosen up, with the first half offering more tension than clear drama before the game opened out after the interval. Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead with a strong header, but Keito Nakamura answered soon after for Japan. Crysencio Summerville then restored the Dutch advantage just past the hour, bending a left-footed shot low into the corner.

The Netherlands appeared set to protect that lead until Japan forced another response near the end. Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada was awarded the equalising goal after the ball took a deflection from a corner.

Sweden were due to meet Tunisia later Sunday in what already looked a competitive Group F. Japan and the Netherlands arrived in North America without important injured players, yet the fixture still stood out among the group-stage schedule. Both teams have been viewed as possible dark horses, with the Dutch having finished second at the World Cup three times and Japan still seeking a first trip beyond the last 16.

Ronald Koeman’s side began with purpose and almost scored after three minutes when Donyell Malen turned inside the area and brought a sharp stop from Zion Suzuki. The air-conditioned venue, normally used by the Dallas Cowboys, also offered a bit of NFL flavour at the hydration break, when the Cowboys cheerleaders appeared on the giant overhead screen doing a routine.

That pause seemed to settle the Dutch. Malen, the Roma forward, tested Suzuki again with a corner-kick header, while Cody Gakpo later sent an effort well over the crossbar. Japan’s supporters, who had sung throughout and outnumbered the Dutch fans, were quietened for a spell.

Hajime Moriyasu’s team created its first serious opening shortly before half-time, after a delivery got past the retreating Summerville, but Nakamura dragged his low attempt wide. Once Van Dijk broke through, however, Japan needed only six minutes to respond, as Nakamura slipped away from his marker and drove a low shot beyond Bart Verbruggen, aided by a slight touch off Jan Paul van Hecke.

The match then swung again in a frantic second-half spell. In the 64th minute, West Ham winger Summerville beat his defender on the right and curled the ball with his left foot into Suzuki’s bottom-right corner. Both managers turned to their benches and chances followed at either end before Kamada’s late, messy equaliser from the corner secured Japan’s draw.