A late header from Daichi Kamada secured a deserved draw for Japan against the Netherlands in their opening World Cup fixture in Dallas.
The highly anticipated Group F encounter started slowly but transformed into a thrilling second-half contest. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville scored for the Dutch side, but Kamada deflected Koki Ogawa's attempt into the net with two minutes remaining to level the match.
The Netherlands looked more dangerous during a quiet first half, with Donyell Malen forcing three saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The match intensified after the break when Van Dijk headed the Dutch team into the lead in the 51st minute, connecting with a cross from Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch. Japan responded six minutes later as Keito Nakamura beat Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a powerful low strike.
The Dutch side restored their lead in the 64th minute when Summerville cut into the penalty box and drove a low shot past Suzuki. Japan sustained their attacking pressure and equalised through Kamada before the thousands of supportive Japanese fans in the stadium.
Ranked 18th in the Fifa rankings, Japan demonstrated resilience and persistence by coming from behind twice to secure a vital point. Conversely, Ronald Koeman's Dutch team, featuring eight Premier League players in the starting line-up, missed an opportunity after failing to protect their lead twice during the match.
The Netherlands play Sweden next in Group F on Saturday, 20 June, while Japan face Tunisia on Sunday, 21 June.
-BBC
