Key Netherlands defender suffers painful injury

Jan Paul van Hecke had a painful World Cup debut for the Netherlands. The Brighton defender threw himself in the way of a Ritsu Doan bicycle kick attempt, heading the ball clear but taking a fierce blow to the face in the process. He appeared shaken for a moment but was able to continue, holding his face for several minutes afterwards.

Van Hecke ultimately played the full match, but finished with a visibly bruised eye and was seen applying ice to it during water breaks after the final whistle. Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in their Group F opener, with Ronald Koeman's side leading twice before conceding a late equaliser. The Dutch continue their campaign against Sweden and Tunisia.