Netherlands and Japan played out a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match, with Daichi Kamada scoring late to earn Japan a point.

After a quiet first half, the game came to life after the break. Netherlands took the lead when Virgil van Dijk headed home from a Ryan Gravenberch cross shortly after halftime.

Japan responded seven minutes later through Keito Nakamura, whose low effort took a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke before finding the net past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The Dutch regained the lead when Crysencio Summerville, making only his second international appearance, curled a fine left-footed shot into the far corner.

However, Japan struck again in the closing stages. Kento Shiogai’s header was diverted by Kamada, and Verbruggen was unable to keep the ball out as it crossed the line in the 89th minute.

Japan, missing injured winger Kaoru Mitoma, showed resilience to come from behind twice. While they created their best chances after falling behind, they may look to be more attacking from the start in future matches.

Netherlands will also feel they could have managed the closing stages better. Ronald Koeman’s decision to replace midfielder Gravenberch with defender Nathan Aké late in the game allowed Japan to apply more pressure, which eventually led to the equaliser.

Both teams leave with a point and areas to improve ahead of their next Group F fixtures.