Daichi Kamada was credited with the crucial second goal in the 88th minute when the ball deflected off his head, beating Bart Verbruggen after Koki Ogawa had directed a powerful header toward the net.
The equaliser marked Japan’s second goal of the match. The Samurai Blue initially fell behind to Crysencio Summerville’s curling effort but managed to level the score through Keito Nakamura, who responded to Virgil van Dijk’s opener in the 51st minute.
Japan entered the match at Dallas Stadium without Wataru Endo, who was removed from the squad due to injury as per Moriyasu’s decision. However, the four-time Asian champions rose to the occasion and delivered a determined performance despite the absence of their key midfielder.
‘SOLID JOB’
“The players executed our game plan effectively,” said Moriyasu.
“There had been various challenges leading up to the opening match, but I felt a strong sense of unity during that first game.
“Even when faced with unexpected events and situations, the players maintained their composure and overcame the challenges in front of them.”
Japan needed to exhibit their composure early on, with Zion Suzuki forced to make a crucial save against Donyell Malen, pushing the ball over the bar in the third minute.
This early threat spurred Japan into seizing control of possession, limiting chances for both teams.
Hiroki Ito’s defensive efforts frustrated Malen in the 34th minute, and from the subsequent Tijjani Reijnders corner, Suzuki thwarted the forward’s header.
Nakamura nearly put Japan ahead just before half-time but shot wide of Bart Verbruggen’s right post after connecting with Ritsu Doan’s searching cross; shortly after, Ayase Ueda struck the side netting.
DESERVED REWARD
The Netherlands started the second half strongly, earning a well-deserved goal six minutes in when Van Dijk scored.
Reijnders’ free kick was cleared by Doan to Frenkie de Jong, who passed it to Ryan Gravenberch, enabling the Liverpool player to send a precise cross to Van Dijk, who nodded the ball in off the inside of the post.
Japan had been on the back foot following the interval, but they equalised within seven minutes as Nakamura struck a deflected effort into the bottom corner from a cutback by Takefusa Kubo.
The balance lasted only seven minutes as the Dutch regained the lead with Summerville’s expertly placed left-foot strike curling around Suzuki from just inside the area.
Kubo attempted a shot that flew over the bar as Japan looked to respond once more, and their persistence ultimately paid off in the dying moments.
Ogawa directed a powerful header toward goal, and with the ball deflecting off the unsuspecting Kamada, Verbruggen was unable to prevent Japan from netting their second equaliser.
The outcome left Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman frustrated by his team’s failure to maintain their lead on two occasions, as the Dutch prepare to face Sweden in their next Group F clash in Houston on Saturday.
“It’s disappointing,” said Koeman. “You take the lead twice and end up not winning, but we must not underestimate the strength of our opponent. That is my perspective.”
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