2026 World Cup: Late Kamada goal helps Japan snatch draw against Netherlands

Daichi Kamada grabbed a priceless equaliser as Japan twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw with Netherlands in a Group F opener that exploded into life in the second half in Dallas.

The Dutch had the best moments of a low-key first period, with Donyell Malen twice going close while Keito Nakamura fizzed just wide of the near post at the other end.

Virgil van Dijk then broke the deadlock on 51 minutes when he headed home fellow Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch’s cross to net his first goal for his country at a major tournament.

The Blue Samurai responded and levelled just six minutes later when Nakamura’s low snap-shot caught Bart Verbruggen by surprise.

Orange regained the lead just past the hour when West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville marked just his third outing for Ronald Koeman’s men with a superb, 18-yard strike into the far corner from another Gravenberch assist.

However, the Dutch could not hold out, and Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada diverted substitute Koki Ogawa’s header into the corner to earn a share of the spoils two minutes from time.

Next up in Group F, Netherlands face Sweden at 18:00 BST on Saturday, June 20, while Japan meet Tunisia at 05:00 BST on Sunday, June 21.