Netherlands began their campaign at the ongoing World Cup tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Japan on Sunday.
The European side took the lead in the second half through Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk after a goalless first half, but Japan hit back through Keito Nakamura.
Crysencio Summerville put the Dutch back in front before Daichi Kamada’s late effort saw both sides share the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Goalless first half in Dallas
Netherlands started off on the front foot and Donyell Malen had an attempt saved by Suzuki in the Japan goal in the third minute. There was hardly any clear cut chance to score until Nakamura narrowly missed target close to halftime.
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Ueda also got on the end of a pass but fired into the side netting as the first half ended goalless with nothing to separate both teams in the clash.
Goal fest in entertaining second half
Netherlands were in front shortly after the restart as Van Dijk got on the end of a cross from club teammate Ryan Gravenberch and headed past Suzuki to give his side a one-goal advantage.
However, Japan were level just six minutes later as Nakamura fired in a shot that crept into the net past Verbruggen into the bottom corner.
Netherlands continued to probe and went back in front just after the hour mark through Summerville, who received a pass from Gravenberch and fired home with his weaker left foot into the corner past the dive of Suzuki.
Cody Gakpo then had an attempt saved at the near post by the Japan goalkeeper, but the Asian side pulled level for the second time in the game with just one minute of regular time left.
Shiogai headed a set-piece delivery but the ball took a nick off Kamada and beat Verburggen in the post to make the scoreline 2-2.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Netherlands 60% – 40% Japan
Total Shots: Netherlands 10 – 10 Japan
Shots on target: Netherlands 6 – 3 Japan
Pass Accuracy: Netherlands 88% – 84% Japan
Corners: Netherlands 5 – 4 Japan
What Next?
Netherlands now head into their next match against Sweden, hoping to seal their first win of the tournament. Meanwhile, Japan face Ecuador in their second match of the tournament as well, hoping for a win to book their place in the next round.
