RismadarVoice Reporters, June 15, 2026
Japan’s Daichi Kamada struck in the 88th minute to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a tense World Cup Group F opener played in Arlington, Texas on Sunday.
The substitute midfielder rose highest to meet Koki Ogawa’s corner and directed a decisive header past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, silencing the Oranje fans and sparking jubilation among the Japanese supporters at AT&T Stadium.
The Netherlands had twice led the encounter, with captain Virgil van Dijk opening the scoring shortly after halftime before Crysencio Summerville restored their advantage later in the second half. However, Japan showed resilience, responding through Keito Nakamura to keep themselves in contention before Kamada’s late intervention salvaged a valuable point.
After a cautious and evenly balanced first half, the game burst into life following the restart. Van Dijk broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a well-placed header from inside the box, marking another milestone in his international career.
Japan responded quickly, with Nakamura levelling matters just seven minutes later. Receiving a clever pass from Takefusa Kubo on the edge of the area, he turned sharply before firing a low shot beyond Verbruggen.
The Dutch regained control in the 64th minute when Summerville latched onto a pass from Ryan Gravenberch and finished confidently at the far post, restoring what appeared to be a decisive lead.
But Japan refused to back down. With time running out, Ogawa delivered a precise corner kick that Kamada met perfectly, glancing his header beyond the goalkeeper despite a desperate attempt to keep it out.
The result extends the Netherlands’ unbeaten run in group-stage World Cup matches, though they will be frustrated to have let victory slip late on.
Both teams now turn their attention to their next Group F fixtures, with the Netherlands set to face Sweden in Houston, while Japan will take on Tunisia in Monterrey.
