TEXAS –
Japan and the Netherlands performed to a 2-2 draw of their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14, with the Samurai Blue twice coming from behind to earn a helpful level towards one of many match’s conventional powers.
Playing with out injured midfielder and former captain Wataru Endo, Japan confirmed resilience all through an entertaining contest that swung forwards and backwards earlier than ending stage.
The Netherlands struck first after capitalizing on a defensive lapse, placing Japan underneath stress early. However, Hajime Moriyasu’s facet responded positively, controlling possession for prolonged durations and creating a number of probabilities earlier than discovering an equalizer by a well-worked attacking transfer.
The Dutch regained the benefit earlier than halftime, ending off a swift counterattack to revive their lead and ship Japan into the break trailing 2-1.
Japan emerged from the locker room decided to keep away from defeat and steadily took management of the match. Their persistence paid off halfway by the second half when the Samurai Blue leveled the rating for a second time, sparking celebrations amongst Japanese supporters contained in the stadium.
Both groups pushed for a winner throughout an open closing interval. The Netherlands threatened from set items whereas Japan regarded harmful on the counterattack, however neither facet might discover a decisive third objective.
The draw leaves Japan and the Netherlands with one level every in Group F, the place Sweden and Tunisia are the opposite contenders for a spot within the knockout stage.
For Japan, taking some extent from a match many seen because the hardest within the group might show important within the race to achieve the Round of 32. The Samurai Blue will subsequent face Tunisia on June 21 earlier than concluding their group-stage marketing campaign towards Sweden on June 25.