Netherlands 2-2 Japan
As World Cup 2026 group games, this was one of the most anticipated.
The Dutch, always associated with the era of ‘total football’, against Asian powerhouses who have grown in stature on the big stage.
So, who would dare in Dallas and kick start Group F?
Highlights of the game
Just four minutes and it looked like Holland were doing just that as Zion Suzuki brilliantly tipped over a Donyell Malen shot that was destined for the net after he turned superbly and rifled in a powerful shot.
It set the tone for the opening exchanges with Holland looking threatening, yet Japan proving livewires as always, swarming over opponents and allowing them no time to settle.
Fitness is always key but presumably that style of play requires the highest level at all times, particularly at a stadium where, due to forecast storms in Dallas, the roof was closed (there was air conditioning).
It was Suzuki, one of the key leaders of his country’s new generation, who was the busiest custodian and he saved a Malen header before a stretching Cody Gakpo could not keep an effort down from close range.
While Holland were on top, as expected, it was easy to see why some tip Japan to be ‘dark horses’ in the States this summer and they twice went close to breaking the deadlock just before the break.
Keito Nakamura powered a shot inches wide of Bart Verbruggen’s right-hand post before Ayase Ueda’s first-time shot unnerved the Oranje but could only find the side netting – a warning sign from a side which has not only impressed in Asia qualifying but which has enjoyed high profile friendly victories over England, Germany and Brazil in recent years.
Ronald Koeman’s class of 2026 may lack some of the flair of previous Holland teams but he has created a solid foundation and his most trusted lieutenant had him smiling six minutes after the restart. That was when captain Virgil van Dijk expertly guided a header across goal and into the far corner from a lofted pass by his team mate for club and country, Ryan Gravenverch.
It was a deserved opener but, if anyone thought the Samurai Blue would be deflated by falling behind, they were quickly corrected as Hajime Moriyasu’s men produced what they hope will be first of many World Cup 2026 highlights.
Takefusa Kubo showed neat footwork down the left and kept possession before picking out Keito Nakamura whose powerful snapshot from the edge of the penalty box took a nick off Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke and flew into the bottom corner.
If Holland’s lead lasted just six minutes, it took them just one minute more to regain the advantage as newcomer to international football, Crysencio Summerville, drifted across the edge of the penalty area before drilling a ball into the far bottom corner with his left foot.
Malen and Kubo threatened at either end and Gakpo drew a fine save out of Suzuki at his near post.
From the moment they went 2-1 down, there was no doubt who was the better side. Indeed, some of Japan’s slick passing was a joy to watch as they chased a second equaliser and substitute Yukinari Sugawara would have capped off a fine move had he connected more cleanly with 10 minutes remaining.
Yet what Japan achieved in Qatar at World Cup 2022, when they stunned previous world champions Germany and Spain and displayed a character and relentlessness which was impossible not to admire, was no fluke and with two minutes remaining they scored a richly deserved equaliser.
Substitute Koki Ogawa was the hero as he rose highest at a corner and powered a header which took a deflection off his teammate Daichi Kamada and beat Verbruggen who got his hands to the ball but couldn’t keep it out.
Honours even and a result which may have ended Japan’s six-game winning run (and five successive matches with a clean sheet) but one which showed just why they will be a tough nut to crack.
Key statistics
The Netherlands and Japan have now clashed four times with the Oranje yet to taste defeat (won two, drawn two).
Holland have lost only one of their last 16 matches in regulation time across all competitions, the 1-0 defeat to Algeria earlier this month.
What’s next?
Both sides are in action again next Saturday (June 20) when Holland meet Sweden and Japan pit their wits against Tunisia.
The SBOTOP World Cup 2026 betting odds for both those contests are worth assessing.
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