Japan keeps Netherlands to an exciting 2-2 draw
The Asian giants had every answer to the questions power by the Oranje
Japan will feel blessed today. They might have felt they were less fancied but keeping Netherlands to a 2-2 draw might just raise their profile among millions of casual watchers. Yet, the score doesn't reflect the entire proceedings that took place over 90 minutes. The first half of the game was a rather cagey affair with the Dutch going back to their familiar attacking patterning to get thwarted by Japan's discipline in front of the goal. There were a few half chances but the Samurai Blue preferred to grit it out instead of opening up against the Oranje.
The second half, though, broke the dam. In the 51st minute, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to meet an inviting cross from Ryan Gravenberch, glancing his header past Zion Suzuki to give the Oranje a 1-0 lead. He showed that the old horse still has a few tricks up his sleeve. It felt like Japan misfired with their cautious approach until just six minutes later, Japan responded fiercely when Keito Nakamura controlled a pass on the edge of the penalty area and fired a brilliant strike past Bart Verbruggen to equalise.I
The Netherlands refused to back down and restored their advantage in the 63rd minute. Gravenberch registered his second assist of the match, threading a ball to West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, who cut inside and curled a beautiful effort into the far corner. It felt like Japan were vanquished and their resistance smashed to tatters.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu made an aggressive triple substitution in the 74th minute, bringing on Koki Ogawa and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Despite everything, they still did not give up. They knew the game was not over. Ogawa got his chance in the 88th minute when he literally "rose" to the moment and headed the ball inside the net with the help of a Daichi Kamada deflection.
Six minutes added time were given in the end and the Dutch, despite their best efforts, failed to score again. Japan left with a valuable point against much fancied opposition in the group. They will indeed feel blessed after what happened today.
