KUCHING: Japan struck late to salvage a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands, twice coming from behind to earn a valuable point in their opening Group F match.
Daichi Kamada headed home an 88th-minute equaliser as the Samurai Blue frustrated the Dutch, who had looked on course for victory after regaining the lead midway through the second half.
The Netherlands dominated large spells of the contest and finally broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart when captain Virgil van Dijk powered home a header from Ryan Gravenberch’s cross.
Japan, however, refused to fade.
Keito Nakamura stunned the Dutch with a well-taken equaliser in the 57th minute after being picked out by Takefusa Kubo, breathing life into a side that had spent much of the match on the back foot.
The response from the Oranje was swift.
Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ advantage seven minutes later with a superb curling effort into the bottom corner, becoming the latest Dutch player to announce himself on the World Cup stage.
With the Dutch appearing in control, Japan continued to push forward in search of another breakthrough.
Their persistence paid off two minutes from time when Junya Ito’s corner sparked a goalmouth scramble, with Koki Ogawa directing the ball into the path of Kamada, who nodded home from close range.
The dramatic finish completed a spirited comeback by Japan and extended their reputation as one of the tournament’s most stubborn opponents.
