Defiant Japan Draw 2-2 Against Netherlands in Breathtaking First Match at World Cup 2026
Japan and the Netherlands are tied 2-2 in their first match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Texas, after exchanging goals and a late equalizer by the Japanese.
Japan and the Netherlands settled for a fair 2-2 draw in their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 held in Texas. Despite a seemingly quiet first half, the match erupted in the second half after both teams scored four goals, showing Japan's determination to the end.
The Netherlands broke through the defense first with the rise of their captain and Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk who kicked a header from Gravenberch's right cross at the start of the second half. Just six minutes later, Japan promptly threw away the lead after Nakamura unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box between the legs of Dumfries, assisted by Kubo, to level the score at 1-1.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://tmw-storage.tcccdn.com/storage/tuttomercatoweb.com/img_notizie/thumb3/f0/f00dd4fb8a3887b0cc2d20f9be1c0195-87327-oooz0000.jpeg" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Moments later, "Oranje" regained the lead with Summerville receiving another pass from Gravenberch and unleashing a great curling shot with his left foot for a 2-1 lead. The Netherlands would have held the win, but Japan did not give up and a few minutes before the end, in the 89th minute, from a corner, Ogawa hit a header that was slightly deflected by Kamada to finally tie the match.
Both teams scored one point each on the first day of Group F. Sweden and Tunisia meet next tonight to complete the first round of group games.
