DistantNews
Support us
Netherlands held to 2-2 draw by Japan after late equalizer
🇳🇴 Norway /Sports

Netherlands held to 2-2 draw by Japan after late equalizer

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in a World Cup group stage match, losing their lead late in the game.
  • Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Netherlands, while Daichi Kamada and Keito Nakamura found the net for Japan.
  • The Netherlands has a history of strong World Cup performances but has never won the tournament, having lost three finals.

The Netherlands let a victory slip away against Japan, settling for a 2-2 draw in a World Cup group stage match. The Dutch team held the lead twice but conceded a late equalizer.

Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Netherlands shortly after halftime, his first World Cup goal. However, Japan quickly responded with a goal from Keito Nakamura. Crysencio Summerville put the Netherlands back in front, only for Japan to equalize again in the final minutes through Daichi Kamada, who headed in a corner kick.

I don't think he even saw the ball.

— Paul RobinsonCommenting on Japan's late equalizer.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking on the BBC, commented on the late Japanese goal, suggesting the scorer "didn't even see the ball." The match was described as a thrilling encounter with numerous chances and intense emotions.

The ball doesn't bounce that well. It's going to be an adjustment. We have to adapt as quickly as possible.

— Virgil van DijkSpeaking about the conditions during the World Cup.

The Netherlands has a strong World Cup pedigree, having reached the final three times but never securing the title. Their last loss within 90 minutes was in 2006, with subsequent exits often coming after extra time or penalties.

Group F also includes Sweden and Tunisia. The Netherlands' next match is against Sweden on June 20, while Japan will face Tunisia.

What a way to finish a brilliant game.

— Paul RobinsonReacting to Japan's late equalizer.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog