Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener Sunday after Daichi Kamada was credited with an 88th-minute equaliser at Dallas Stadium.
The Netherlands twice led through Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville. Japan responded through Keito Nakamura and Kamada, whose decisive touch came after Koki Ogawa headed toward goal.
Van Dijk opened the scoring in the 51st minute, heading in after Ryan Gravenberch delivered a cross from the right.
Japan levelled seven minutes later when Nakamura struck from Takefusa Kubo’s cutback. The effort took a deflection before beating Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Summerville restored the Dutch lead with a curling left-foot finish from inside the area. Japan pushed again late and earned a second equaliser when Ogawa’s header deflected off Kamada.
Japan played without Wataru Endo, who was withdrawn from the squad because of injury. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his players stayed calm despite unexpected setbacks.
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Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said the result was disappointing after his side led twice. He said the Dutch should not underestimate Japan’s strength.
The Netherlands face Sweden in their next Group F match in Houston on Saturday.
