Kamada's late equaliser denies Netherlands in 2-2 draw with Japan

Daichi Kamada struck an 89th-minute equaliser as Japan twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in their World Cup opener in Dallas. Crysencio Summerville looked to have won it for the Dutch with a superb late finish, but Japan found one more response to earn a point.

The match took time to settle after a slow first half, but it opened up after the break. Virgil van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead with a well-placed header from Ryan Gravenberch’s cross, only for Keito Nakamura to level within seven minutes when his shot deflected off Jan Paul Van Hecke and past Bart Verbruggen.

Summerville then put the Netherlands back in front with an excellent curling effort from the left side, and for a while it seemed Ronald Koeman’s team had done enough. But Japan kept pushing, and in the 89th minute Kento Shiogai’s header deflected in off Kamada after Verbruggen could only parry the ball into his own net.

Both sides had chances to take control. Donyell Malen tested Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki early on, while Cody Gakpo was denied a third Dutch goal by a good save. The Netherlands also had a chance to protect their lead, but Nathan Ake’s late introduction for Gravenberch helped invite pressure rather than relieve it.

For Japan, the result was encouraging but also left room for improvement. Despite their strong recent form, they did not begin with enough ambition and only really threatened once they were chasing the game. Their equaliser showed resilience, but they may need more urgency from the start if they want to go deep in the tournament.

The Netherlands will also feel they let the game slip. They were in control for much of the second half and twice led, but failed to shut the door when it mattered. Koeman’s side now have a lesson in game management, especially after giving Japan the late momentum that led to the equaliser.