Japan refuse to yield as Netherlands are held to 2-2 thriller

Netherlands and Japan shared the points in an entertaining 2-2 draw in Arlington, Texas. The first half was relatively quiet, but the second half delivered a goalscoring spectacle. Virgil van Dijk headed the Dutch in front in the 51st minute, only for Keito Nakamura to equalise six minutes later. Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead in the 64th minute, but Japan refused to give up and levelled again through Daichi Kamada in the 89th minute. Ryan Gravenberch provided two assists for the Dutch.

Both sides were weakened — Netherlands were without Xavi Simons, Jurrien Timber and Jerdy Schouten, while Japan missed Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino and late withdrawal captain Wataru Endo.

A notable record: Van Dijk, at 34 years and 341 days, became the second oldest Dutch player to score at a World Cup, behind only Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Netherlands also became the first team in their history to fail to win a World Cup match in which they led twice.

Goals: Van Dijk 51', Nakamura 57', Summerville 64', Kamada 89'