Daichi Kamada diverted in an 89th-minute equaliser for Japan as they twice levelled to safe a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on this Group F opener.
Crysencio Summerville had appeared to have gained it when curling the ball fantastically into the far nook together with his left foot however there was a twist within the story in Arlington in a contest that actually got here to life within the second half after an uninspired opening 45 minutes.
Virgil van Dijk headed Ronald Koeman’s aspect in entrance from Ryan Gravenberch’s cross quickly after the interval however Keito Nakamura levelled issues up inside seven minutes when his shot deflected off the foot of Jan Paul Van Hecke and past Bart Verbruggen.
Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring the opening purpose in opposition to Japan on the World Cup
Summerville, who solely made his worldwide debut earlier this month, was heading in the right direction to be the hero however Kento Shiogai’s header deflected off Kamada and Verbruggen might solely parry into his personal internet. The Brighton goalkeeper ought to have performed higher.
The identical might be mentioned of the 2 groups in what was an entertaining recreation that each will search to be taught from. Might Japan have been extra optimistic from the outset? Ought to the Netherlands have pressed residence their benefit? Each will anticipate to enhance.
The important thing moments from Dallas…
- 3: Donyell Malen examined Zion Suzuki early on with a fierce shot.
- 51: GOAL! Virgil van Dijk expertly headed in a cross from Ryan Gravenberch.
- 57: GOAL! Keito Nakamura whipped the ball into the web by way of Jan Paul Van Hecke.
- 64: GOAL! Crysencio Summerville reduce in on his left foot and curled the ball in.
- 73: Zion Suzuki received down properly to forestall Cody Gakpo doubling the lead.
- 81: Nathan Ake comes on for Ryan Gravenberch in an try to guard the lead.
- 89: GOAL! Kento Shiogai’s header deflected in off teammate Daichi Kamada.
Evaluation: Mentality errors
Regardless of the lack of Kaoru Mitoma to harm, Japan are much-fancied at this World Cup having been in wonderful kind. They defeated Brazil in October after which beat England at Wembley in March. However they had been a bit of lucky to get the purpose right here.
It felt as in the event that they wanted to fall behind to be keen to exit and play, producing their greatest work solely when the Netherlands had been main. Extra perception shall be required if they’re to realize what many really feel they’re able to reaching at this event.
However there are classes for Koeman and his crew too after this. The Netherlands appeared in management previous to the choice to deliver on a defender in Nathan Ake for a midfielder in Gravenberch within the 81st minute. It solely succeeded in inviting strain late on.
What the consequence means…
Pundit quotes
Sky Sports activities’ Roy Keane on ITV:
“I used to be extra impressed with the Dutch tonight. Sure, they gave a few daft objectives away and there have been set items on the finish. Within the greater image, the Dutch appeared first rate however you can not take something away from Japan.
“I additionally give them credit score for hanging in there. They’ll each take the draw and transfer on. However the Dutch had been in management and I nonetheless suppose they are going to be extra of a risk within the latter levels [of the tournament] than Japan.”
