Netherlands 2-2 Japan: Kamada's late header steals a point for the Samurai Blue

The Netherlands and Japan opened their Group F campaigns with a 2-2 draw at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a result that felt like a win for the resilient Samurai Blue and a frustration for a Dutch side that led twice and held neither.

Two Dutch leads, two Japanese replies

The first half stayed goalless before the game came alive after the break. Virgil van Dijk headed the Netherlands in front in the 50th minute, only for Keito Nakamura to level seven minutes later with a deflected effort. Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead on 64 minutes — both goals created by Ryan Gravenberch, outstanding from midfield — but Japan refused to fold. Daichi Kamada's header in the 88th minute made it 2-2, the latest goal Japan have ever scored at a World Cup and a deserved reward for their persistence.

What it means for Group F

A point apiece leaves Group F wide open. The Netherlands, among the section's favourites, will be frustrated not to have closed out a game they twice led; Japan, dangerous on the counter all night, take huge belief from twice clawing back against one of the tournament's stronger sides. With the group's other fixtures still to come, second place — and even top spot — remains anyone's to claim. Follow the section on our Group F page.

Both sides return to action knowing the margins here are thin. You can revisit the game on the match page or see the full schedule at matches.