Kamada's late equaliser caps thrilling 2-2 draw as Japan deny Netherlands in World Cup opener

Daichi Kamada’s late goal completed a dramatic 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan in their World Cup Group F opener at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what has already established itself as the match of the tournament.

The game swung repeatedly before Kamada’s intervention denied Ronald Koeman’s side a winning start to their campaign. Crysencio Summerville had produced a wonder strike to give the Dutch the lead at one stage, but Japan refused to be subdued and ultimately claimed a share of the spoils in a contest that lived up to its billing as one of the most intriguing group-stage fixtures.

For the Netherlands, the result is a frustrating start. Koeman had been boosted heading into the game by the return to fitness of Memphis Depay, the Dutch record scorer, whose availability added considerable attacking depth to a squad that has reached three World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy.

Japan, meanwhile, will take enormous encouragement from the performance. They topped their group four years ago ahead of Spain and Germany, and there is genuine belief within the squad that they can go further than the round of 16 for the first time in their history. A point against one of Europe’s more established nations does nothing to dampen that ambition.

Sweden and Tunisia make up the rest of Group F, and with the standings now level at the top, every remaining fixture carries added weight. Japan’s resilience and capacity to threaten on the counter will concern any side they face, while the Dutch will be eager to sharpen their defensive shape before the stakes rise further.

The draw means both sides head into their next group games knowing that a win will likely be essential to securing a comfortable path into the knockout rounds.