THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Japan battle back to draw 2-2 with Netherlands in Texas World Cup ... Japan battle back to draw 2-2 with Netherlands in Texas World Cup thriller Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox Japan's Daichi Kamada celebrates scoring their second goal as Netherlands' Bart Verbruggen reacts. PHOTO: REUTERS Published Jun 15, 2026, 06:08 AM Updated Jun 15, 2026, 06:38 AM Listen ARLINGTON, Texas - Japan twice came back from a goal down to secure a 2-2 World Cup draw with the Netherlands on June 14 as Daichi Kamada’s 88th-minute deflection earned Hajime Moriyasu’s side a point in the Group F clash at Dallas Stadium. The game came to life after a tense opening 45 minutes, with Virgil van Dijk giving the Dutch the lead with a pinpoint header in the 51st minute before Keito Nakamura levelled six minutes later. But while Crysencio Summerville looked to have won all three points for Ronald Koeman’s side with a curling strike in the 64th minute, Japan levelled when Kamada deflected Koki Ogawa’s powerful header into the net. A relatively uneventful first half started promisingly for the Dutch when Donyell Malen forced Zion Suzuki into action, the Japan goalkeeper palming the ball over …

'Samurai Blue style': Japan fans on never-give-up attitude after dramatic Netherlands draw at World Cup In one of the most highly anticipated matches in the opening round of the World Cup, Japan came from behind twice to get a point against the Netherlands.

Japan deny Netherlands by fighting back twice in World Cup opener ... SHARE Asia’s most profitable facet, Japan, twice come from behind to attract 2-2 with Netherlands in Group F opener. Published On 14 Jun 2026 14 Jun 2026 Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser as they twice fought back to rescue a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in entrance of 69,285 spectators in Texas, opening their World Cup campaigns. A match that had bubbled away in the primary interval sparked into life in the second half on Sunday. Recommended Stories record of 4 objects finish of record Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk scored with a wonderful header, just for Keito Nakamura to rapidly degree, earlier than winger Crysencio Summerville’s scrumptious, curled end into the underside nook simply after the hour. The Dutch appeared like they might maintain on, however Japan levelled on the dying, with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the purpose after a deflection. Sweden face Tunisia in a competitive-looking Group F in a while Sunday. Japan and the Netherlands are in North America with out key gamers, as a consequence of harm, however on paper, this was nonetheless one of many extra engagin…

Emperor Naruhito, King Willem-Alexander witness Japan-Netherlands FIFA ... Emperor Naruhito, King Willem-Alexander witness Japan-Netherlands FIFA World Cup stalemate By ANI | Updated: June 15, 2026 09:50 IST 2026-06-15T15:15:14+5:30 2026-06-15T09:50:15+5:30 Preferred on Preferred on Next Dallas (Texas) [US], June 15 : Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of ... Emperor Naruhito, King Willem-Alexander witness Japan-Netherlands FIFA World Cup stalemate Dallas (Texas) [US], June 15 : Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in the stands as Daichi Kamada's late equaliser secured Japan a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Dutch in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener on Sunday (Local Time). The official X account of the Royal House of the Netherlands shared photographs of the four royals together and wrote, "Sport brings people together! King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watch together as the Oranje Leeuwen and the Samurai Blue face off in Dallas for their first group stage match of the FIFA World Cup." {{{{twitter_post_id###…

Netherlands Vs Japan Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan Steal Draw ... NED vs JPN HIGHLIGHTS: FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan will be the happier of the two sides in a thrilling game, that saw a 2-2 draw, thanks to Daichi Kamada's last-minute strike. Netherlands Vs Japan HIGHLIGHTS, FIFA World Cup 2026: Netherlands and Japan played out one of the most exciting matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the game ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw in the first Group F match of the tournament at the Dallas Stadium in Texas. Japan earned a crucial point by coming from behind twice, showcasing incredible resilience against a formidable Dutch side.The opening 45 minutes showcased intense tactical battles between the Netherlands and Japan sides.The Dutch team, managed by Ronald Koeman, controlled much of the possession and created the most dangerous opportunities. Forward Donyell Malen found himself with two excellent scoring chances. However, Japan remained exceptionally well-organized defensively. They successfully absorbed the sustained Dutch pressure while looking for quick counter-attacking opportunities, ensuring the teams went into the halftime break firmly deadlocked.The match truly came …

Japan grab late equaliser to hold Netherlands in World Cup thriller Netherlands' forward Crysencio Summerville celebrates after scoring his team's second goal. Photo / AFP Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser as they twice fought back to rescue a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in front of 69,285 in Texas to open their World Cup campaigns. A match that had bubbled away in the first period sparked into life in the second half. Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk scored with a fine header, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville’s delicious curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour. The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection. Sweden face Tunisia in a competitive-looking Group F next. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Japan and the Netherlands are in North America missing key players through injury, but on paper this was still one of the more attractive fixtures in the group stage. Both have been touted as dark horses capable of going far at the t…

The Goal.com Winners & Losers in Netherlands v Japan In partnership with GOAL ·14 June 2026 Japan twice came from behind to earn a 2–2 draw againstNetherlandsin theirWorld CupGroup F opener, with Daichi Kamada's 88th-minute header securing a hard-fought point afterVirgil van Dijkand Crysencio Summerville had put the Dutch ahead. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers fromNetherlandsvJapan. Ryan Gravenberch delivered two assists that gaveNetherlandsthe platform for victory, only for his team to let it slip. His perfectly arced cross from the right foundVirgil van Dijkfor the opener in the 51st minute, and his precise pass set up Crysencio Summerville's curling finish thirteen minutes later. The midfielder's ability to beat Japan's press with quick turns unlocked their compact block on multiple occasions. He made progressive carries into dangerous areas and showed excellent vision to find teammates between the lines, constantly posing problems for Japan's midfield with his range of passing. Gravenberch's withdrawal for Nathan Aké in the 81st minute removed Netherlands' most productive creative outlet at a crucial moment. Without his service, the Dutch struggled to create meanin…

World Cup Knockouts: Japan Secure Brazil Showdown as Sweden Also ... Anthony Elanga cancels out Daizen Maeda's opener as both teams advance to the last 32 Japan will face Brazil in a World Cup last-32 clash after drawing 1-1 with Sweden on Thursday to send both teams through behind the Netherlands in Group F. A game in front of 70,000 in Texas burst into life in the second half, Daizen Maeda giving Japan the lead after the break before Anthony Elanga levelled minutes later. Japan, fancied as dark horses to go far in the tournament, were hanging on by the end as Alexander Isak and Elanga both went close. The Netherlands finished top of a competitive group with seven points, with Japan on five, Sweden four and Tunisia on the plane home with zero. Graham Potter's Sweden have also qualified for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers. The Netherlands, who eased past Tunisia 3-1, will face Morocco in Monterrey while Japan play Brazil in Houston. Japan beat Brazil 3-2 at home in a friendly in October, and coach Hajime Moriyasu said their opponents will be driven by a sense of revenge. "Perhaps because of that match, they will be motivated even more," said Moriyas…

Netherlands 2-2 Japan Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Kamada's Late ... Netherlands Vs Japan Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Netherlands and Japan share points as they play out a 2-2 draw. Check real-time updates of the NED vs JPN FIFA World Cup 2026 match at the Dallas Stadium as it happened Greetings, we are back with our FIFA World Cup 2026 live blog Netherlands and Japan face-off in the Group F first match. The action is about to begin, so stay tuned for all the live updates from Dallas Stadium. Location:Arlington, Texas, USA Stadium:Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) Date:Sunday, June 14, 2026 Kick-off Time:01:30 AM (IST) on Monday, June 15, 2026 (based on the 20:00 GMT kick-off on June 14). The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports network on television. For live streaming, one can catch the action on the Zee5 app and website. Bart Verbruggen, Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Virgil van Dijk (Captain), Nathan Aké, Denzel Dumfries, Micky van de Ven, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer, Lutsharel Geertruida, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders, Teun Koopmeiners, Marten de Roon, Quinten Timber, Justin Kluivert, Guus Til, Memphis Dep…

FIFA WC: Royals watch as Japan holds Netherlands to a dramatic 2-2 draw Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in the stands as Daichi Kamada's late equaliser secured Japan a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Dutch in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener on Sunday (Local Time). The official X account of the Royal House of the Netherlands shared photographs of the four royals together and wrote, "Sport brings people together! King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watch together as the Oranje Leeuwen and the Samurai Blue face off in Dallas for their first group stage match of the FIFA World Cup." ⚽ Sport verbroedert! 🇳🇱 Koning Willem-Alexander en Koningin Máxima, Keizer Naruhito en Keizerin Masako kijken samen hoe de Oranje Leeuwen en 🇯🇵 de Samurai Blue het in Dallas tegen elkaar opnemen bij hun eerste groepswedstrijd van het WK Voetbal. 📷 RVD & Z.M. de Koning pic.twitter.com/fLurEfz0Ej — Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) June 14, 2026 The high-profile attendance added to the occasion as Japan staged a late comeback to secure a valuable point against one of Europe's strongest…

World Cup 2026 live news - CaughtOffside (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) CaughtOffside Live Blog This page will update live with the latest relevant news, no need to refresh the page! Netherlands 2-2 Japan: Daichi Kamada strikes late to snatch dramatic draw Japan score late equaliser through Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada to deny Netherlands a win on their opening game. GOAL! Daichi Kamada sends the Samurai Blue fans in Dallas WILD 🎉 🇳🇱 Netherlands 2-2 Japan 🇯🇵 #FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 | #Japan pic.twitter.com/a0EVoaXfJJ — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 14, 2026 2026-06-14 23:18:43 ⚽GOAL! Crysencio Summerville makes it 2-1 for Netherlands Japan made it 1-1 through Nakamura just seven minutes after Van Dijk’s opener. GOAL! Perfect response from Japan ? Nakamura's strike takes a slight deflection and it's all square in Dallas! ?? Netherlands 1-1 Japan ?? #FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 | #Japan pic.twitter.com/N2CTOLzRKX — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) June 14, 2026 But Spurs target Crysencio Summerville has restored the lead with a brilliant finish. GOAL! Crysencio Summerville ?? His first international goal puts the Dutch back in front! ?? Netherlands 2-1 Japan ?? #FIFA…

Netherlands, Japan share spoils in thrilling World Cup draw Netherlands, Japan share spoils in thrilling World Cup draw By Reporter • Jun 15, 2026 • 2 min read The Netherlands and Japan played out an exciting 2-2 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F encounter, after a dramatic second-half battle. Both teams displayed attacking intent from the opening whistle, with the Netherlands relying on their physical strength and experience, while Japan impressed with quick passing and energetic pressing. The Dutch side dominated possession during several periods of the first half but struggled to create clear openings against a disciplined Japanese defence. Japan remained dangerous on the counter-attack, using their pace and movement to trouble the Netherlands whenever they advanced into the final third. The match burst into life after the interval when the Netherlands took the lead in the 51st minute through captain Virgil van Dijk. The defender rose above the Japanese defence to head home a well-delivered cross, giving the Dutch a 1-0 advantage. Japan responded immediately and restored parity in the 57th minute through Keito Nakamura, whose strike found the back of the net after a swi…

Netherlands vs. Japan LIVE: World Cup 2026 reaction as Blue Samurai ... Japanhad to find an equaliser twice againstNetherlandsin Group F to share the points after an enthralling second half in Arlington. The Dutch had never failed to win a World Cup match in which they led twice, but that changed after a late Japan corner found the back ofBart Verbruggen's net. Here's how it happened. -Hamilton:Scotlandmake 28-year World Cup drought worth the wait on winning return -Dawson:Bailed out by Vinícius Júnior,Brazilare still a work in progress After a goalless first 45, the game came to life afterVirgil van Dijkheaded home his first goal in a major international tournament, after a cross in from hisLiverpoolteammateRyan Gravenberch. Just six minutes later,Keito Nakamuragot Japan level from the edge of the area, beforeCrysencio Summerville's superb low finish restored the Dutch advantage And while it looked likeRonald Koeman's men were going to get over the line, a late corner was headed on viaDaichi Kamadato rescue a point for Japan.

Japan justify sleeper credentials with dramatic draw vs. Netherlands ARLINGTON, Texas --Daichi Kamada's fortuitous 88th-minute header gaveJapana dramatic2-2draw againstNetherlandson Sunday in a World Cup Group F matchup. Koki Ogawarose highest fromJunya Ito's corner to nod the ball goalward, but it flicked off Kamada and beat Dutch goalkeeperBart Verbruggento spark jubilant celebrations among those dressed in blue among the crowd of 69,285 at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium). After a drab first-half short on chances, the game sprang to life with three goals in 13 minutes, beginning with center backVirgil van Dijk's clever 51st-minute header fromLiverpoolteammateRyan Gravenberch's right-wing cross. Japan hit back six minutes later asKeito Nakamuradrifted into a central position to hit a low drive that appeared to take a deflection offJan Paul van Hecke. Crysencio Summerville, who made his senior Netherlands debut earlier this month, thought he had won it in the 64th minute 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 It wasn't the…

Japan's late goal stuns Netherlands: This was the World Cup's best ... FIFA World Cup 2026 Koki Ogawa celebrates Japan's late goal in DallasReuters/Kai Pfaffenbach Japan struck late from a corner to earn a brilliant 2-2 draw against Netherlands in the best game of the World Cup so far. Ronald Koeman’s side went ahead when Virgil van Dijk glanced a header into the far corner early in the second half but Japan were level six minutes later through Keito Nakamura’s strike from the edge of the box. Advertisement Netherlands restored their lead when Crysencio Summerville whipped an excellent shot into the far corner and looked to be heading for victory until Daichi Kamada scored for Japan. A header from Koki Ogawa glanced off Kamada and bounced past the Dutch goalkeeper Bert Verbruggen with two minutes of normal time remaining. Jacob Whitehead, Carl Anka and Greg O’Keeffe analyse the talking points at the AT&T Stadium… This Group F match-up had been circled as one of the games of the group stages since the draw — with Netherlands’ eighth-place world ranking perhaps overselling their quality and Japan’s 18th-place likely underselling their own. There have been excellent performa…

Discipline and togetherness: Japan's strategy for football greatness On Sunday, Japan sealed a 2-2 draw against the higher-ranked Netherlands in their 2026 World Cup opener. Since qualifying for its first World Cup in 1998, Japan has reached every edition of the tournament and now sits 18th in the FIFA rankings. FRANCE 24's Adam Hancock, Alexis Bregere and Ayana Nishikawa travelled across Japan to uncover the secrets behind the remarkable rise of Japanese football.

Emperor Naruhito, King Willem-Alexander witness Japan-Netherlands FIFA ... Dallas (Texas) [US], June 15 (ANI): Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in the stands as Daichi Kamada's late equaliser secured Japan a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Dutch in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F opener on Sunday (Local Time). The official X account of the Royal House of the Netherlands shared photographs of the four royals together and wrote, "Sport brings people together! King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watch together as the Oranje Leeuwen and the Samurai Blue face off in Dallas for their first group stage match of the FIFA World Cup." ⚽ Sport verbroedert! 🇳🇱 Koning Willem-Alexander en Koningin Máxima, Keizer Naruhito en Keizerin Masako kijken samen hoe de Oranje Leeuwen en 🇯🇵 de Samurai Blue het in Dallas tegen elkaar opnemen bij hun eerste groepswedstrijd van het WK Voetbal. 📷 RVD & Z.M. de Koningpic.twitter.com/fLurEfz0Ej — Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis)June 14, 2026 The high-profile attendance added to the occasion as Japan staged a late comeback to secure a valuab…

Japan fight back twice to snatch late draw vs. Netherlands ARLINGTON, Texas --Daichi Kamadascored on a header offKoki Ogawa's corner kick in the 88th minute, sending the Samurai Blue fans into a frenzy and giving Japan a 2-2 draw with the Netherlandsin their World Cupopener on Sunday. While the Dutch extended their unbeaten streak to 16 games in group play, the orange-clad Oranje supporters were stunned by the late goal that left them at 21-2-11 in group play at the World Cup. Virgil Van Dijk andCrysencio Summervillescored off each post for the Netherlands early in the second half, whileKeito Nakamurahad a goal between those as part of a three-goal flurry in just 14 minutes. An uneventful first half changed quickly after the break for a crowd evenly split at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys with the retractable roof that offered relief from the muggy Texas heat, and the giant video board that fans had a hard time keeping their eyes off. Summerville gave the eighth-ranked Dutch the lead in the 64th minute, and Japan was running out of hope when Ogawa sent the corner that Kamada timed perfectly. The ball deflected slightly again on its way towardBart Verbruggen, who …

Japan justify sleeper credentials with dramatic draw vs. Netherlands ARLINGTON, Texas --Daichi Kamada's fortuitous 88th-minute header gaveJapana dramatic2-2draw againstNetherlandson Sunday in a World Cup Group F matchup. Koki Ogawarose highest fromJunya Ito's corner to nod the ball goalward, but it flicked off Kamada and beat Dutch goalkeeperBart Verbruggento spark jubilant celebrations among those dressed in blue among the crowd of 69,285 at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium). After a drab first-half short on chances, the game sprang to life with three goals in 13 minutes, beginning with center backVirgil van Dijk's clever 51st-minute header fromLiverpoolteammateRyan Gravenberch's right-wing cross. Japan hit back six minutes later asKeito Nakamuradrifted into a central position to hit a low drive that appeared to take a deflection offJan Paul van Hecke. Crysencio Summerville, who made his senior Netherlands debut earlier this month, thought he had won it in the 64th minute 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 It wasn't the…

🚨 Breaking News 🚨 Japan Scores a Late Equalizer to Earn a Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against the Netherlands. South Florida Media – Florida’s Free News Leader Article Link: sfl.media/japan-scores... #Japan #Netherlands #FIFAWorldCup2026 #Soccer #SouthFloridaMedia

Daichi Kamada's late header gives Japan a 2-2 draw … Japan celebrates a goal during the World Cup Group F soccer match between the Netherlands and Japan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias) Netherlands’ Crysencio Summerville (24) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the World Cup Group F soccer match between the Netherlands and Japan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias) Japan’s Takehiro Tomiyasu (22), Kaishu Sano, left, and Netherlands’ Memphis Depay go for a header during a World Cup Group F soccer match in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (1) eyes the ball during the World Cup Group F soccer match between the Netherlands and Japan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias) ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Daichi Kamada scored on a header off Koki Ogawa’s corner kick in the 88th minute, sending the Samurai Blue fans into a frenzy and giving Japan a 2-2 draw with the Netherlandsin their World Cupopener on Sunday. While the Dutch extended their unbeaten streak to…

Netherlands vs Japan LIVE - World Cup 2026: Ogawa's late header ... Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Comment now JAPAN have nicked a point against the Netherlands as Koki Ogawa’s late header deflected off his team-mate Daichi Kamada and into the net. Crysencio Summerville thought his screamer to put Holland 2-1 up secured his side all three points, but the injury-time drama followed. Virgil van Dijk’s stunning header put the Netherlands in front early in the second half before Keito Nakamura’s strike equalised just seven minutes later. Match result: Netherlands 2-2 Japan WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS Advertisement Follow our live blog assisted by AI below… Netherlands 2 – 2 Japan FULL-TIME! Referee Elfath blows for full-time at Dallas Stadium as Netherlands and Japan are forced to settle for a point. The Dutch led twice but failed to win a World Cup match after leading on two occasions for the first time in their history. Van Dijk headed them in front on 51 minutes from Gravenberch’s cross, but Nakamura stunned them with a right-footed finish just six minutes later. Gravenberch then bagged his second assist on 64 min…

Netherlands vs Japan highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: JPN hold NED 2-2 ... FIFA World Cup 2026 Netherlands vs Japan Match highlights:Daichi Kamada scored Japan’s equaliser two minutes before full-time to help the Asian side hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in a FIFA World Cup group stage clash. Earlier, after 50 minutes of goalless football, the Netherlands vs Japan game had come to life with three goals in 14 minutes. Virgil van Djik headed the ball in first for a Dutch goal, but Keito Nakamura drew Japan level seven minutes later. But then Crysencio Summerville scored to give the Dutch a 2-1 lead. Before the three goals, the game saw fast and furious attacking football from both sides. Netherlands’ Donyell Malen had two great chances, but each time found Japan keeper Zion Suzuki blocking his shots. The draw was a relief for Japan, but it was the end of a proud record for the Asian side. Japan had won their opening match in three of the last four editions of the FIFA World Cup, including 2-1 victories over Colombia in 2018 and Germany in 2022. FOLLOW NED vs JPN FIFA WORLD CUPLIVE SCOREAND UPDATES BELOW Daichi Kamada did now know a whole lot about the goal that hit him befor…

4 Takeaways From Japan's Thrilling World Cup Draw vs. the Netherlands ... Sunday's four-goal thriller at Dallas Stadium was one that started slowly but undoubtedly came to life in the second half. The Netherlands drew 2-2 against Japan thanks to goals from Virgil Van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville that were then respectively canceled out by Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada. This was also a battle between two very high-skilled, fast-playing chess players that took some time to get going as the first half was played at a passive pace due to Japan’s uber-counter-attacking and defensive strategy and the Dutch’s inability to break through. But once the second half arrived, it was clear the message at the break to both dressing rooms was exactly the same: to play at a faster pace and to gamble. In the end, the excellent Japan —a team I have waxed lyrical about for a long time— rescued a point against the Netherlands, who failed to win the opening match at a World Cup for the first time in its history. Here are my takeaways: (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) The 24-year-old winger scored his team’s second goal, and it was a wonderful left-footed shot from inside the box. Thro…

Japan Fans Win Hearts at the World Cup by Cleaning Up After Netherlands ... Up next Published on 15 June 2026 Author Internewscast Share article The post has been shared by 0 people. Facebook 0 X (Twitter) 0 Pinterest 0 Mail 0 Japan’s supporters have again won widespread admiration for their tidiness, with thousands turning up in Dallas carrying bin bags ahead of the nation’s World Cup opener. The Samurai Blue began their campaign on Sunday at a full, air-conditioned AT&T Stadium, where they faced the Netherlands as temperatures in Texas climbed above 40C. The contest remained tense and tightly balanced until after the break, when Dutch skipper Virgil van Dijk put his team in front. Japan, however, quickly responded through a sharp finish from Keito Nakamura. For much of the closing stages, it appeared that strike from the West Ham attacker would be enough to secure all three points. But with only minutes remaining, Japan rescued a draw thanks to a thumping header from Koki Ogawa. It was an encouraging opening to the Asian side’s eighth World Cup appearance, although the team’s display was not the only thing drawing praise. Japanese football fans have once again been hailed for th…