Daichi Kamada scored a late Japan goal in the 89th minute, and Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands in Group F at the World Cup. The point kept Japan from leaving Dallas empty-handed after a match that had been leaning toward the Netherlands.
Daichi Kamada Seals Japan Goal
Kamada’s equaliser arrived after Japan had spent much of the game dealing with pressure from the Netherlands. Hajime Moriyasu called the result a “very meaningful point,” and the late finish changed a match that had looked like it might slip away.
The Netherlands had taken an early hold on the game. Three minutes in, Donyell Malen drove a powerful shot that Zion Suzuki palmed away, and with 34 minutes gone the same striker met a close-in header from a corner that Suzuki batted clear. Japan had their own best chance just before half-time, but the sides went into the break still locked together.
Zion Suzuki Keeps Japan Alive
Suzuki’s stops gave Japan a path to the finish line. The saves on Malen limited the damage while the Netherlands pushed for control, and that kept the match within reach long enough for Kamada to find the equaliser at the end.
Ronald Koeman had hinted that Memphis Depay might be fit, and Donyell Malen started in the centre of attack for the Netherlands. The selection left the Dutch with attacking threat from the start, but Japan stayed in the game and did not let the pressure turn into a decisive gap.
Moriyasu Values Group F Point
After the match, Moriyasu said, “The Netherlands are a top-class international team.” He also said, “Look at the Fifa rankings, there’s quite a difference.” Japan’s coach added, “But we can look back at today’s match and learn from the Dutch and enhance our power.”
The draw fits Japan’s recent World Cup run, where they have been an excellent side. On a hot afternoon in the low flat plains outside Dallas, with the stadium full, they protected a point instead of chasing the game home with nothing. That late Japan goal left Group F tighter than a Netherlands win would have done, and it came after a match in which Japan had to absorb pressure before Kamada finished the job.
