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Japan opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, capping a second half that produced four goals and a 89th-minute equalizer off headers from Koki Ogawa and Daichi Kamada.
Twice pegged back by the Dutch, the Samurai Blue matched their opponents point for point in a group-stage opener that reinforced Japan's place among international football's top tier.
First Half Cagey, Second Half Electric The opening 45 minutes belonged to the Netherlands in possession, with Japan content to sit deep and absorb pressure — a tactical posture that left little daylight on either end.
The second half flipped the contest. Virgil van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead with a trademark header, only for Keito Nakamura to restore parity inside seven minutes.
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