Netherlands–Japan Draw 2-2 in World Cup Opener at Dallas Stadium

The first World Cup match in North Texas in 32 years did not disappoint.

Netherlands and Japan played to a 2-2 draw Sunday afternoon at Dallas Stadium, a result that felt inevitable the moment the second half opened up and both sides decided they’d rather score than defend.

The opening 45 minutes were largely uneventful, as the Dutch controlled the possession and created the better chances, but were unable to finish them. That changed quickly after the halftime break. Ryan Gravenberch was the architect of both Dutch goals, setting up a Virgil van Dijk header and then finding Crysencio Summerville for a strike that briefly looked like the winner.

Japan had other ideas. Keito Nakamura answered the van Dijk goal almost immediately, and when Daichi Kamada headed home in the dying minutes, the Samurai Blue had completed a comeback for the second time on the day to earn a point the Netherlands will spend the next week regretting.

Key Moments

3’ - Donyell Malan got free in the penalty box and managed to get the game’s first shot on target. Japan’s keeper Zion Suzuki came up with a big stop.

34’ - The Dutch have been dominant on the ball in this opening half. Malan nearly got on the end of a corner kick that forced Suzuki to come up with another big stop.

43’ - Japan finally comes alive a bit late in the first half as Nakamura gets a clean look at the top of the penalty area. His strike goes just wide of the net.

44’ - Japan continues to press as Ueda gets a ball slipped in behind the Dutch defense. Instead of taking an extra touch, he goes for a quick strike that hits the side netting.

51’ - GOAL! Holland gets on the board first with a header from their captain Virgil van Dijk. Japan wasn’t able to clear out a free kick enough as the Dutch took over the ball deep in the Japanese defensive third. Ryan Gravenberch curled a ball back into the penalty area where van Dijk was able to get an opener header on the ball.

58’ - GOAL! Japan ties it up with a great strike from Keito Nakamura. Kubo dribbled his way into the Dutch penalty box before passing it back to Nakamura who weaved his way to the top of the penalty box before firing off a shot that beat Bart Verbruggen.

64’ - GOAL! The Dutch regain the lead with a wonderful goal from Crysencio Summerville. Gravenberch once again was the man with the assist as he found Summerville free around the top of the penalty box. Summerville curled in a great shot that beat Suzuki at the far post.

88’ - GOAL Japan! Daichi Kamada ties it up with a header! Koki Ogawa picks up the assist on the corner kick.

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Instant Reaction

Man, what a moment for both sides. The atmosphere inside of Dallas Stadium was electric thanks to the two fan bases. We were seated near the Japanese fans that were rowdy throughout the entire match. Their energy was felt late in the game as Japan came from behind to tie the match late.

Man of the Match

Gravenberch picked up two assists for the Netherlands.

Where does this fit in Group F

The draw sets up an interesting situation for the group. Both teams would have liked to come out with three points in the opening match, but now it opens the door for either Sweden or Tunisia to grab the early group lead later tonight in Mexico.

What’s next for both squads

Both teams will be back in action on June 20 for their next game in Group F. Holland will take on Sweden in Houston, while Japan will tackle Tunisia in Monterrey.

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