Japan hold Netherlands to 2-2 draw
Japan responded just six minutes later through Keito Nakamura, who leveled the score at 1-1 in the 57th minute.
KATHMANDU: Japan staged a late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter on Monday night, earning a valuable point in a thrilling contest.
After a goalless first half, all four goals came in an action-packed second period. The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Virgil van Dijk found the back of the net to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Japan responded just six minutes later through Keito Nakamura, who leveled the score at 1-1 in the 57th minute.
The Dutch regained their advantage in the 64th minute as Crysencio Summerville scored to make it 2-1 and put the European side in control once again.
However, Japan refused to give up and struck late in the match. With just a minute remaining in regulation time, Daichi Kamada netted an equalizer in the 89th minute, rescuing a point for the Asian side and denying the Netherlands victory.
The result leaves both teams with a share of the points following an entertaining World Cup showdown.
