Japan deny Netherlands by fighting back twice in World Cup opener

Japan staged a dramatic comeback, twice equalizing to force a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their opening World Cup fixture. The match, played in Texas, saw Japan's resilience shine as they fought back from behind to snatch a point against the three-time finalists.

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Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser as they twice fought back to rescue a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in front of 69,285 spectators in Texas, opening their World Cup campaigns.

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a powerful header. However, Japan responded swiftly, with Keito Nakamura leveling the score just six minutes later. The Dutch regained the lead in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville finished clinically into the bottom corner.

Just as the Netherlands appeared set to secure the win, Japan's Daichi Kamada scored an 88th-minute equalizer, which deflected in, to complete the comeback. The result highlights Japan's fighting spirit and their capability to compete with established footballing nations, while the Netherlands will be disappointed to have let a lead slip twice.

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Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk scored with a fine header, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville’s delicious, curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour.

The fixture, one of the more attractive in the group stage, also featured entertainment from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders during a hydration break. Both teams were without key players due to injury, but the draw sets an unpredictable tone for Group F.

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The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death, with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection.