Dramatic Draw After Fantastic Second Half

The Netherlands and Japan played to a 2-2 draw in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup Group F in Dallas. The result places both teams in the top two positions of the group, with Sweden and Tunisia to play later.

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Holland and Japan drew, 2-2, in the first match of the men's World Cup Group F in Dallas, United States.

The first half was largely uneventful, with the Netherlands dominating possession. Japan maintained a tight defense and attempted counter-attacks, with Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda having decent chances but failing to score. Donyell Malen was the most dangerous for the Dutch but couldn't test Japan's goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

In the second half, the Netherlands took the lead six minutes after the restart. Ryan Gravenberch delivered a cross for captain Virgil van Dijk, who headed the ball into the post and in. However, Japan equalized just six minutes later. Nakamura received the ball on the edge of the box and, after a defensive lapse by Denzel Dumfries, managed to sneak the ball into the near corner.

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The first half was rather dull, but the Dutch had more of the ball.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute. Gravenberch made a strong play outside the box before passing to Crysencio Summerville on the right. Summerville took a touch, set himself up, and struck the ball beautifully into the far post. In the closing minutes, the Netherlands appeared to adopt a defensive stance, with coach Ronald Koeman substituting midfielder Gravenberch for defender Nathan Ake. This defensive shift proved costly as substitute Koki Ogawa equalized in the 89th minute with a header from a corner kick, which deflected off a Dutch player before entering the net.

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Ryan Gravenberch had a fantastic cross for his Liverpool teammate, Virgil van Dijk, and the Dutch captain made no mistake, heading the ball into the post and in.

The Netherlands will next face Sweden on June 20, while Japan plays Tunisia on June 21.

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Nakamura received the ball on the edge of the box and, after a poor defensive play by Denzel Dumfries, he snuck the ball into the near corner, unsaveable for Bart Verbruggen in the Dutch goal.