Japan justify dark-horse credentials with dramatic...
Key takeaways
- Japan hit back six minutes later as Keito Nakamura drifted into a central position to hit a low drive which appeared to take a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.
- Crysencio Summerville, who only made his senior Netherlands debut earlier this month, thought he had won it on 64 minutes with a moment of magic.
- It may not have been the stunning victories over Germany and Spain at the last World Cup, but the determination Japan displayed in forcing a draw against Netherlands highlighted how they genuinely could be dark horses.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Koki Ogawa rose highest from Junya Ito's corner to nod the ball goalward, but it flicked off Kamada and beat Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to spark jubilant celebrations among those dressed in blue among the crowd of 69,285 at AT&T Stadium.
After a drab first-half short on chances, the game sprang into life with three goals in 13 minutes, beginning with center back Virgil van Dijk's clever 51st-minute header from Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch's right-wing cross. Japan hit back six minutes later as Keito Nakamura drifted into a central position to hit a low drive which appeared to take a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.
Crysencio Summerville, who only made his senior Netherlands debut earlier this month, thought he had won it on 64 minutes with a moment of magic. Cutting in from the right, the 24-year-old West Ham winger curled a fine effort in off the post. But Japan had the last laugh to ensure the points were shared. -- James Olley