The Netherlands opened their World Cup campaign against Japan on Sunday evening, Swedish time. For a long time, the orange-clad team did not respond to any show of strength.
For 50 minutes, the match in Dallas, Texas, was scoreless and lacked pace. Then captain Virgil van Dijk headed in for the Netherlands.
Goal Cavalcade
After a failed set-piece situation, the centre-back remained in the attacking penalty area and headed home the opener from a controlled pass by Ryan Gravenberch, who is Van Dijk's teammate at Premier League club Liverpool. Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki had no chance when the ball went in via the far post.
It was the start of a completely different match - and a cavalcade of goals.
Ahead of the World Cup, it had been uncertain whether Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen would play in the opening match after injuring his hip in the replay against Uzbekistan (2–1). Earlier this week, however, the 23-year-old was back in training and, against Japan, he conceded the first World Cup goal in the 56th minute. Keito Nakamura took a shot just outside the penalty area and the ball was directed into the goal via the foot of Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
Meeting Sweden on Midsummer Day
Eight minutes after the equalizer, the Netherlands took the lead again when Crysencio Summerville crossed into the penalty area from the right and scored to make it 2–1 past Suzuki.
There was no winning goal. In the 89th minute, the star nation was stunned. Substitute Koki Ogawa met a corner, and the ball was guided into the goal via a light touch from teammate Daichi Kamada, making the final score 2–2.
After the match, there was disappointment in both teams, with no one happy to be forced to share the points. Despite this, there was a clear respect for the opposition and an understanding that the game must be lifted in future matches.
"We are not completely satisfied with the result," said Japan's national team captain Hajime Moriyasu, "but the Netherlands are a top-class team and we tried to maintain the same level."
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was not entirely satisfied with the result either.
"I'm disappointed that we didn't win. Of course we can perform better and have to develop during the tournament," Koeman stated.
Sweden plays its World Cup opener tonight - at 4:00 AM - against Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico. On Midsummer's Day, the Netherlands will play in Houston, Texas.
