Postecoglou warns Japan's caution could cost them against Netherlands in World Cup opener

Netherlands and Japan went into the half-time interval level at 0-0 in their World Cup 2026 group-stage opener, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou offering a pointed critique of Japan’s cautious approach in the opening 45 minutes.

“They’re very risk-averse: they won’t take the game to the opposition — even though they have the quality to do so,” Postecoglou said, drawing on his experience coaching in the J-League. “But if the Dutch do have a lapse of concentration, they’ll punish them. They’re disciplined enough to wait it out — and when the Dutch make a mistake, they will pounce.”

Commentator Ally McCoist echoed the sentiment, expressing surprise at Japan’s subdued tempo. “I thought we’d see something more like the United States or Morocco,” McCoist said. “Those teams played with a pace and an aggression. We’ve certainly not seen it so far in this first half from Japan.”

Both sides were missing key attacking figures. Japan were without Kaoru Mitoma, ruled out of the tournament through injury, while Memphis Depay started the match on the bench for the Netherlands.

The Dutch settled into possession early, with Donyell Malen — who scored seven goals in his final seven domestic appearances for Roma — forcing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into an emphatic save after just two minutes, wrestling free from his marker on the edge of the box.

Japan grew into the half around the hydration break. Keito Nakamura found space in the box but could not get a shot off quickly enough, before Cody Gakpo whipped in a pair of deliveries from which Denzel Dumfries headed one onto the roof of the net after getting in behind Japan’s defence.

The clearest Dutch opportunity of the half came around the 33-minute mark, when Malen headed a corner straight at Suzuki. Japan responded with two late chances of their own: Nakamura snatched at a shot just before the whistle, sending the ball narrowly wide of the near post, before Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda struck the ball into the side netting after getting the better of Virgil van Dijk down the right side.

With the two group favourites still deadlocked at the break, the second half promises to be decisive — and Postecoglou’s assessment suggests Japan may need to shed their conservatism if they are to take anything from the match.