Arlington (Texas) [US], June 15 (ANI): Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his aspect’s preventing spirit after they twice got here from behind to earn a 2-2 draw in opposition to the Netherlands of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener, however admitted the consequence left him disillusioned because the Blue Samurai had focused all three factors.
In an entertaining contest in Arlington, Texas, Japan confirmed exceptional character to get better from deficits on two events, with substitute Koki Ogawa’s late equaliser securing a precious level in opposition to one of many event favourites.
Despite the dramatic comeback, Moriyasu insisted his crew had arrived with ambitions of victory.
‘The Netherlands have been very sturdy, we have been trailing behind, a really tough opponent, the gamers have been united as one, tenacious, they fought to the top and didn’t stop to persevere,’ Moriyasu informed reporters after the match, in response to Reuters.
‘Of course, we’re not fully happy with simply the one level for the draw,’ he added.
After a disciplined first-half defensive show, Japan fell behind shortly after the restart when Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to move residence a Ryan Gravenberch supply.
The response was speedy, nevertheless, as Keito Nakamura rifled a strong low effort into the web to convey Japan degree. The Netherlands regained the benefit by way of Crysencio Summerville’s very good strike, however Japan refused to give up.
Their persistence paid off two minutes from time when Ogawa’s header discovered the web by way of teammate Daichi Kamada, sparking celebrations among the many Japanese supporters.
Moriyasu credited his gamers for sustaining composure underneath strain and persevering with to imagine they might rescue the competition.
‘Of course, it was powerful for them to battle again … they managed to be tenacious and on the identical time be affected person and maintain calm and discover and seize the alternatives. So I’m very proud that they might maintain their very own tempo,’ he mentioned, as per Reuters.
While happy with the dedication proven by his squad, the 57-year-old reiterated {that a} draw was not the result Japan had sought.
‘We have been aiming to get three factors, not one level. So in that viewpoint, after all it was a bit of bit disappointing,’ he concluded.
The consequence leaves Japan with a degree from their opening Group F fixture forward of their subsequent match in opposition to Tunisia in Monterrey on June 20, whereas the Netherlands additionally start their marketing campaign with a draw. (ANI)