Daichi Kamada missed an 89th-minute equalizer for Japan as they drew twice to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in their Group F opener.
Crysencio Summerville looked to have won it when he curled the ball well into the far corner with his left foot but it was a legendary turnaround for Arlington in a contest that came alive in the second half after an uninspiring opening 45 minutes.
Virgil van Dijk put Ronald Koeman’s side ahead from Ryan Gravenberch’s through ball shortly after but Keito Nakamura leveled matters on seven minutes when his shot deflected off Jan Paul Van Hecke’s foot and past Bart Verbruggen.
Summerville, who made his international debut earlier this month, would have been the hero but Kento Shiogai’s header crossed Kamada and Verbruggen was able to slot into his own net. The Brighton goalkeeper should have done better.
The same can be said for both teams in a game that was fun for both of them and they will want to learn from it. Could it be that Japan was more optimistic from the start? Should the Netherlands have pressed home their advantage? Both will expect to improve.
Highlights from Dallas…
- 3: Donyell Malen checked Zion Suzuki early with a heavy shot.
- 51: GOAL! Virgil van Dijk expertly struck the ball that was deflected by Ryan Gravenberch.
- 57: GOAL! Keito Nakamura hits the ball into the net through Jan Paul Van Hecke.
- 64: GOAL! Crysencio Summerville crossed with his left foot and bent the ball into the middle.
- 73: Zion Suzuki got down well to prevent Cody Gakpo from doubling the lead.
- 81: Nathan Ake replaces Ryan Gravenberch in an attempt to protect the lead.
- 89: GOAL! Kento Shiogai’s head collided with his teammate Daichi Kamada.
Analysis: Mental errors
Although they lost Kaoru Mitoma due to injury, Japan is being looked forward to in this World Cup as they have been in excellent form. They beat Brazil in October and beat England at Wembley in March. But they had little luck getting a point here.
It felt like they needed to fall behind to be willing to go out and play, producing their best work only when the Netherlands were in the lead. It will take more faith if they want to achieve what many feel they cannot achieve in this tournament.
But there are lessons for Koeman and his team after this as well. The Netherlands looked in control before the decision to bring on defender Nathan Ake and midfielder Gravenberch in the 81st minute. It only succeeded in inviting late pressure.
What does the result mean…
Pundit quotes
Sky Sports’ Roy Keane on ITV:
“I was very impressed with the Dutch tonight. Yes, they conceded a few daft goals and in the end there were some scraps. In the big picture, the Dutch looked decent but you can’t take anything away from Japan.
“Once again I commend them for hanging in there. They will both draw and move on. But the Dutch were in control and I still think they will be very dangerous in the final stages. [of the tournament] than Japan.”
