Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in their opening World Cup Group F match on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Virgil van Dijk scored in the 50th minute for the Netherlands, heading in a cross from the right. Japan equalized in the 57th minute through Keito Nakamura, who shot from the left side of the penalty area after a pass from Takefusa Kubo. Crysencio Summerville put the Netherlands ahead again in the 64th minute with a left-footed shot to the far post.
In the 88th minute, Japan's Daichi Kamada scored on a header from Koki Ogawa's corner kick. The ball deflected and was touched by Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen but still went in.
Key Facts
- The Netherlands extended their unbeaten streak in World Cup group play to 17 matches.
- The Netherlands' last loss before elimination round was in 1994.
- Group F also includes Sweden and Tunisia.
Upcoming Matches
- Netherlands vs. Sweden (Saturday, Houston)
- Japan vs. Tunisia (Saturday, Monterrey, Mexico)