A last gasp Daichi Kamada header earned Japan a deserved point against Netherlands in their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Ronald Koeman’s side had twice led the Blue Samurai, but Hajime Moriyasu’s side demonstrated the resilience and ability that has warranted their label of ‘dark horses’ this tournament.
A cagey first half saw the European opposition create the better chances, with Zion Suzuki forced into making several smart saves to keep the score goalless.
If the first 45 minutes had lacked the fireworks expected from one of the tournaments most anticipated group matches, then the second half certainly delivered a thriller.
The continued threat the Netherlands offered aerially caused the breakthrough, as Virgil Van Dijk headed home from Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch’s cross in the second phase after a corner.
Just six minutes later, Japan struck back. Keito Nakamura drifted inside from the left flank and fired past Bart Verbruggen with a right-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Parity was short lived as the pendulum swung back in the Oranje‘s favour through a moment of sheer brilliance from Crysencio Summerville.
The West Ham forward received a pass from Gravenberch in the right half-space before swiftly shifting the ball onto his left foot and curling an effort into the far corner.
Japan looked to fight back as Moriyasu made a host of attacking changes. The Blue Samurai continued to press on and with just a minute of regulation time remaining, the positive intent was finally rewarded.
It was two of the substitutes who linked up first, with Koki Ogawa powerfully meeting Junya Ito’s corner.
Ogawa’s rose highest to aim a header towards goal, and Kamada was on hand to provide the deft and decisive touch to score the late equaliser.
After earning a valuable point, Japan will now travel to Monterrey, Mexico where they face Tunisia in their second fixture of the tournament.
Japan Player Ratings
Zion Suzuki – 7
The Parma goalkeeper was vital for Japan, making four saves to deny the Netherlands and showcasing why he is one of the most exciting young keepers in the world.
Suzuki could do nothing to prevent either goal but the Blue Samurai will hope he can provide a stronger presence from crosses given the Oranje had threatened aerially throughout.
Tsuyoshi Watanabe – 6
Watanabe was solid for the most part, winning 75% of his ground duels, all his tackles, and making six clearances and two recoveries.
However, the Feyenoord defender was slightly susceptible to balls in the air, winning just two of six aerial duels.
Shogo Taniguchi – 6
Taniguchi marshalled the back three well, helping limit the Netherlands in open play.
Hiroki Ito – 4
Ito struggled defensively, winning just one of his seven duels, as well as being dribbled past and committing a foul. With Nakamura tasked with providing the width, when the Netherlands attacked in transition Summerville was the outlet on the right-hand side and Ito struggled to defend him.
Ristu Doan – 6
Doan worked tirelessly throughout in a steady performance. Had some nice moments going forward as well as making defensive contributions but had no major impact.
Kaishu Sano – 4
Sano is usually disruptive and combative in the middle of the park, but struggled against the Netherlands midfield, winning just two of 11 duels and being bypassed in midfield too easily.
Carried the ball well but the creative onus was placed on his midfield partner.
Daichi Kamada – 7
Kamada earned a point for his side after a deft touch from Ogawa’s header. While the Crystal Palace midfielder perhaps did not know much about it, the touch was decisive and capped a good display from Kamada.
The 29-year-old was forward thinking throughout, and played some exquisite passes forward, though was also wayward at times with his positive intentions.
Worked hard in the middle, winning all his tackles and 50% of his ground duels.
Keito Nakamura – 8
Nakamura was Japan’s most prominent attacking threat throughout. The left wing-back pushed forward all game, providing the width on the flank and consistently caused the Netherlands problems.
Took his goal exceptionally well, drifting inside and firing in from the edge of the 18-yard box into the bottom corner.
Nakamura was also diligent defensively, winning all tackles, and 75% of his ground duels.
Takefusa Kubo – 6
The absence of Kaoru Mitoma has left much of the attacking burden on Kubo, and while it was a quiet game for the Japan talisman, the Real Sociedad winger provided a crucial contribution by assisting Nakamura’s goal.
Kubo had played a dangerous pass into the box that fell to Nakamura. Kubo also showcased his dribbling ability as he carried Japan up the pitch. If Moriyasu’s side are to make a deep run in the tournament then they will help the injury scare is not too serious.
Daizen Maeda – 4
Maeda struggled to make an impact on the match before being substituted, with the Celtic attacker failing to offer a threat at goal and winning just one of seven duels.
Ayase Ueda – 5
With the Netherlands often dropping into a 5-4-1 shape out of possession, Ueda was often isolated and struggled to receive the required service.
The Feyenoord striker fashioned a good opportunity through his elite movement drifting between the Dutch defenders, but could only flash the effort wide. Otherwise it was a tough afternoon for Ueda up against three experienced defenders but worked tirelessly throughout.
Substitutes
Junya Ito – 7
Ito’s raw pace caused plenty of problems for the Netherlands after his introduction, and he tested the Oranje defence with several probing crosses. One of these crosses ultimately led to the equaliser with Ito’s delivery the initial creation for the Kamada goal.
Yukinari Sugawara – 6
Sugawara was steady after his introduction, winning all duels and looking to play positively throughout.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5
Tomiyasu added some pace at the back as Japan looked to push more men forward in search of the equaliser. Did not put a foot wrong but did not have a major impact on the match.
Koki Ogawa – 7
Came on in the 75th minute to offer another central striking option. Showed his direct intent in his short cameo, as Japan chased an equalise. It was Ogawa’s was powerful header that led to the Kamada equaliser.
Kento Shiogai – N/A