Japan Twice Comes from Behind to Draw with Netherlands in World Cup

2026 World Cup Key News

(Tokyo, Japan, 15th) Japan faced off against the Netherlands, a team they had never beaten in their past three meetings, in the F Group match of the World Cup. Despite falling behind twice, Japan equalized twice and ultimately drew 2-2 with the world's eighth-ranked Netherlands, securing a precious one point. Japan's coach, Moriyasu, stated that this draw 'has a value beyond one point' and praised the players' resilience in adverse situations.

According to NHK and Sponichi Annex, the pace of the first half was tight, with both teams attacking and defending. Japan focused on solid defense and counterattacks, while the Netherlands frequently used corner kicks and their height advantage to create threats. Japan's goalkeeper, Suzuki, performed steadily, repeatedly thwarting the opponent's header shots.

Japan also created opportunities in the attack. In the latter part of the first half, Nakamura and Ueda consecutively had shooting opportunities but failed to capitalize on them.

In the second half, the match began to take a dramatic turn. In the 51st minute, Netherlands' captain Van Dijk scored with a header, taking the lead. Japan then strengthened their attack. Kubo started to actively move towards the center, frequently dribbling and organizing attacks. In the 57th minute, Kubo made a crucial pass, and Nakamura calmly shot, scoring Japan's first goal of the tournament and equalizing the score at 1-1.

However, just seven minutes later, the Netherlands took the lead again. Forward Summerville struck a long-range shot that goalkeeper Suzuki could not save, putting Japan behind once more.

Moriyasu then made consecutive substitutions to adjust the tactics. Ultimately, in a corner kick attack, substitute forward Kobayashi headed the ball, which deflected off Kamada and into the net. After confirmation, the goal was credited to Kamada, and Japan finally drew 2-2 with the Netherlands.

After the match, Moriyasu said, 'There are not many teams that can earn points after falling behind twice against a top-tier team like the Netherlands in the World Cup. I believe this one point is worth more than one point itself.'

He believed that although the team was once pressured by the opponent, they did not become impatient but were able to stabilize their formation. 'The players are very smart and have a lot of patience, successfully bringing the game back to our own rhythm.'

Regarding the substitutions in the second half, Moriyasu said, 'We brought on players with the ability to directly threaten the goal, increased the pace in the attack, and put more pressure on the opponent, ultimately resulting in a goal.'

He also emphasized that Japan's goal is always to gain three points, so they will continue to prepare fully for the next match.

Despite achieving an ideal result, Japan also paid a price.

Around the 71st minute of the match, Kubo was violently collided with by Netherlands defender Dumfries while advancing with the ball. From the footage, Dumfries' foot seemed to hit Kubo's knee, causing him to collapse in pain on the spot.

Kubo was assisted to the sideline and received treatment from Japan's medical team, but he immediately signaled that he could not continue the match.

After the match, Moriyasu said that the medical team had not yet submitted a detailed report. 'I saw him walking on his own, so I hope it's just a minor injury. We still cannot determine the specific situation.'

The Japan Football Association revealed that Kubo was not immediately sent to the hospital after the match but first received further examination from the team's medical staff. However, media captured him leaving the stadium in a wheelchair, and the condition of his injury remains to be announced.

Kamada, who scored the equalizing goal, made his first goal in a World Cup match. He emotionally said, 'The record will be left behind, and my personal dream has been realized. From the age of three, I have invested countless passion and effort into football. I think even God has seen it.'

When talking about the goal process, Kamada joked that he actually knew the ball hit his head, but at that time, Kobayashi had already rushed out to celebrate, and his teammates all gathered around. 'I had already prepared a celebration move after scoring, but I didn't get the chance. I even joked with Kobayashi, 'You stole it from me!''

Additionally, Kamada revealed that during the pre-match team meeting, a video message recorded by captain Endo, who withdrew from this World Cup due to injury, was played. 'Some players cried, and I was also very moved.'

Kamada said, 'He is a great captain. He always told everyone not to fight for themselves but for the team. I feel that even if he is not on the field, he is always helping us.'

The Emperor and Empress of Japan, who are currently visiting the Netherlands, also watched this match on television with the King and Queen of the Netherlands.

Although the Japanese team did not achieve the goal of winning the first match of the group stage for the third consecutive World Cup, according to past records, the Japanese team has successfully advanced to the knockout stage in World Cup tournaments where they gained points in the first match (2002 draw, 2010 victory). (Editor: Chou Yongjie) 1150615

Choose to stand with the facts. Every donation you make is a force in safeguarding news freedom.

Download the Central News Agency 'One-Hand News' app to stay updated with the latest news in real-time.

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without permission.