Kamada’s 88th-minute header earns Japan a 2-2 draw with Netherlands at World Cup

Daichi Kamada's 88th-minute header rescued a point for Japan as the Samurai Blue rallied to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a pulsating Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.wsls+1

A Second-Half Thriller

After a tightly contested first half that ended goalless, the Netherlands struck first when captain Virgil van Dijk glanced a header into the far corner in the 51st minute, finishing a cross from Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch. Japan needed just six minutes to respond. Keito Nakamura fired a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area to level the score at 1-1.nytimes+1

The Dutch regained the lead in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville, who cut inside and curled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner after another assist from Gravenberch. Ronald Koeman's side appeared to be cruising toward three points, but Japan had other ideas.africa.espn+1

Kamada's Late Heroics

With just two minutes of regulation remaining, Koki Ogawa delivered a corner that found Kamada, whose header deflected past Dutch goalkeeper Bert Verbruggen and into the net, sparking wild celebrations among Japanese supporters inside the 85,000-capacity venue. The goal capped a match that has quickly been described as the most thrilling of the tournament so far.foxsports+2

Group F Takes Shape

The draw leaves both teams level on one point at the top of Group F, alongside Sweden and Tunisia, who were set to meet later Sunday in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Netherlands, three-time World Cup runners-up, next face Graham Potter's Sweden on June 20 in Houston, while Japan will look to build on their spirited comeback when they continue their group-stage campaign. For a Japanese squad that arrived in the United States dealing with injuries to several key players, the result will feel like a statement of intent.olympics+2