[2026 World Cup] Japan and Netherlands Draw 2-2 After Four Goals in Second-Half Thriller

by Park Pyunghee

Published 15 Jun.2026 07:36(KST)

Japan and the Netherlands shared one point each after a fierce back-and-forth in the second half, with both teams exchanging four goals.

On June 15 (Korean time), Japan and the Netherlands drew 2-2 in the first Group F match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, held at Dallas Stadium in the United States.

All four goals were scored in the second half.

The Netherlands dominated the first half with 69% ball possession and three shots on target, but failed to score thanks to outstanding saves from Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Suzuki blocked two shots inside the penalty box by Donyell Malen in the 3rd and injury time of the first half.

Japan, meanwhile, struggled to create chances and did not register a single shot on target in the first half.

Kaito Nakamura of Japan (right) cheers after scoring the equalizing goal in the 12th minute of the second half during the first group F match against the Netherlands at the 2026 North America World Cup held at the Dallas Stadium in the United States. Photo by Reuters-Yonhap News.

Unlike the dull first half, the second half was a thrilling contest.

The Netherlands struck first in the 5th minute of the second half. Captain Virgil van Dijk connected with a sharp cross from Ryan Gravenberch and headed the ball into the Japanese net.

Japan responded quickly. In the 12th minute of the second half, Takefusa Kubo broke through on the left flank and passed to Keito Nakamura, who controlled the ball inside the penalty area, moved outwards, and fired a powerful right-footed shot to score the equalizer.

The Netherlands regained the lead in the 19th minute of the second half. Crysencio Summerville scored with a powerful left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty box, making it 2-1.

Just when it seemed the match was slipping away for Japan, they dramatically leveled the score near the end. In the 44th minute of the second half, Daichi Kamada scored following a corner kick. Substitute Goki Ogawa's header deflected off Kamada and was swept into the Dutch goal.