Japan Salvages 2-2 Draw With Netherlands on Kamada's 88th-Minute Equalizer

Q: After Japan’s dramatic comeback, are the favored Netherlands now facing a shock exit from the World Cup’s 'Group of Death'?

No—the Netherlands are under pressure, but a shock exit is far from inevitable. Japan’s 2-2 comeback in Arlington has made Group F far more volatile, and it reinforced why Japan were widely viewed as a dangerous outsider rather than a routine underdog. Hajime Moriyasu’s side came in on a strong run, with recent high-profile wins and a proven record of upsetting elite teams, and they showed that again by twice responding after falling behind before Daichi Kamada’s late equalizer. For the Dutch, the draw is a setback because they were expected to take control of the group. They had long spells of possession, led twice through Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville, and still failed to close the match out. That will sharpen existing questions about consistency under Ronald Koeman and whether the Netherlands can turn territorial dominance into reliable results against disciplined, aggressive opponents. Even so, one draw does not put them on the brink. Group F also includes Sweden and Tunisia, so qualification remains very much in Dutch hands. The expanded 2026 World Cup format also makes an immediate “shock exit” less likely than in past tournaments, even if this group is one of the tougher ones. What has changed is the margin for error. Japan have shown they are genuine contenders to advance, and the Netherlands can no longer assume superiority. If the Dutch drop more points against Sweden or Tunisia, then talk of an early exit will become much more serious.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 14

Daichi Kamada's 88th-minute goal rescued Japan a 2-2 draw after the Netherlands twice led in the teams' World Cup Group F opener in Arlington.
Virgil van Dijk put the Dutch ahead in the 50th minute and Crysencio Summerville restored their lead on 64 minutes, but Keito Nakamura had already leveled once for Japan.
The Netherlands controlled long stretches early — holding 67% possession and creating the better first-half chances — yet failed to turn that edge into a decisive margin.
The result leaves Group F wide open with Tunisia and Sweden still to come, denying Ronald Koeman's side an early advantage in one of the tournament's tougher groups.