Japan refused to give up. With the tenacity and resilience highlighted by their coach, Hajime Moriyasu, before the match, the Blue Samurai salvaged a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their Group F opener at the 2026 World Cup, in a match that went from absolute calm to a thrilling finish.
During the first half, neither team lived up to the offensive promises their coaches had anticipated. Netherlands dominated possession but moved the ball without depth, while Japan prioritized defensive organization and closed down spaces near its own area.
The Dutch team’s clearest chances came through Cody Gakpo and Donyel Malen, though goalkeeper Zion Suzuki responded confidently to keep the score at 0-0. On the other side, Japan created few chances and went into halftime without seriously threatening Netherlands’ defense.
Everything changed after the break.
Just when the match seemed stuck in a rut, Virgil van Dijk stepped up to break the deadlock. The Dutch defender capitalized on a second-ball opportunity following a foul and headed in a cross from Ryan Gravenberch, placing the ball just inside the post to open the scoring.
The goal completely opened up the match. Japan was forced to push forward and quickly found an answer thanks to Kieto Nakamura, who surprised goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a shot that restored the tie.
The Dutch response came shortly after. Crysencio Summerville put the Netherlands back in front with a precise left-footed shot across the goal that seemed to set the Europeans on course for victory.
However, Japan kept up the pressure even after Take Kubo left the field with an injury. Although the five-man defense deployed by Ronald Koeman complicated Japan’s attempts, their persistence paid off in the final minutes.
A header by Ogawa was capitalized on by Kamada, who appeared to tap the ball in and seal the 2-2 draw just as time seemed to be running out. Japan salvaged a valuable point in its World Cup debut and confirmed on the field the words of its coach: tenacity and resilience. Two virtues that prevented the Netherlands from starting the tournament with a victory they had already taken for granted.
