Japan coach lauds fightback but draw with Dutch 'disappointing'

Japan's national football team showed remarkable grit and determination in their World Cup match against the Netherlands, twice coming from behind to secure a 2-2 draw. Coach Hajime Moriyasu lauded his players' unity, tenacity, and perseverance in the face of a strong opponent and difficult circumstances.

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The Netherlands were very strong, we were trailing behind, a very difficult opponent, the players were united as one, tenacious, they fought to the end and did not cease to persevere.

However, Moriyasu admitted that despite the impressive fightback, the team was not entirely satisfied with just one point. "We were aiming to get three points, not one point. So in that point of view, of course it was a little bit disappointing," he stated, highlighting the team's ambition to win.

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Of course, we're not completely satisfied with just the one point for the draw.

The match in Arlington, Texas, transformed into an end-to-end thriller, particularly in the second half. The Netherlands took the lead six minutes after the break through a Virgil van Dijk header. Japan quickly responded with a Keito Nakamura equalizer. The Dutch then surged ahead again with a brilliant strike from Crysencio Summerville, only for Japan's substitute Koki Ogawa to level the score with a neat header two minutes from time.

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We were aiming to get three points, not one point. So in that point of view, of course it was a little bit disappointing.

Moriyasu emphasized his team's strong defensive play in the first half and their ability to maintain composure and seize opportunities even after falling behind. He expressed pride in their capacity to "keep their own pace" throughout the challenging encounter.

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Of course, it was tough for them to fight back ... they managed to be tenacious and at the same time be patient and keep calm and find and seize the opportunities. So I'm very proud that they could keep their own pace.