Van Dijk header not enough as Japan snatch late equaliser against Netherlands in World Cup opener

Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their World Cup Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, after substitute Koki Ogawa headed an equaliser two minutes from time to deny Ronald Koeman’s side all three points.

Van Dijk gave the Dutch the lead six minutes into the second half, connecting with a cross from Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch. Japan levelled through Keito Nakamura, before Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ advantage with a fine individual goal in the 64th minute. Ogawa then rose to meet Junya Ito’s corner, his header deflecting off Daichi Kamada before finding the net to secure a share of the spoils.

The match was not without controversy. Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu was visibly furious on the touchline over Van Dijk’s opener, believing VAR should have reviewed a foul in the build-up. A VAR check did take place, but it was limited to an offside review and did not assess the potential foul — a decision that drew a strong reaction from Moriyasu toward the fourth official.

Speaking after the final whistle, Van Dijk expressed his frustration at conceding from a set-piece. “They didn’t create that much, so that’s why it’s extra disappointing that we conceded through a set-piece,” he said. “But that’s the reality, we take the point, and now we focus on Sweden. We just have to keep going. Hopefully there are still many more games to come for us. Because we conceded late on, it doesn’t feel as nice, but we move on.”

Moriyasu was more upbeat about his side’s resilience. “We managed to get a result through our collective effort,” he said. “We defended patiently and then tried to be more aggressive going forward. The players executed what we had planned and prepared for.”

The game was also overshadowed by the absence of Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, who announced his international retirement after a foot injury sustained against Sunderland on February 11 ruled him out of the tournament. Endo had returned to complete 45 minutes in a 1-0 warm-up win over Iceland, but his recovery stalled, ultimately ending his Japan career. Moriyasu offered an emotional apology to the player before the tournament began. “Not only did we hurt Endo, but we also caused pain to his family, who cherish him, the supporters, and many others,” he said. “I feel deeply sorry and would like to apologise.”