Late Kamada Strike Earns Japan Dramatic Draw Against Netherlands

Japan fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening Group F match of the FIFA World Cup, with Daichi Kamada scoring a dramatic late equaliser.

After a quiet first half, the contest burst into life following the break. The Dutch took the lead through Virgil van Dijk, who powered home a header from a Ryan Gravenberch delivery. Japan responded quickly, however, as Keito Nakamura’s effort took a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke and found the back of the net.

The Netherlands regained the advantage when Crysencio Summerville curled a superb left-footed strike into the far corner, seemingly putting his side on course for victory. But Japan had the final say, with Kamada converting in the 89th minute to secure a valuable point in a thrilling encounter in Arlington.