Japan Twice Peg Again Netherlands in 2-2 Group F Draw

Netherlands Lead Twice, Japan Refuse To Give In

Neither aspect managed to attain within the first half. Though the Netherlands held a slight benefit on paper and managed the rhythm of the match, they had been unable to show their dominance into objectives.

The sport shortly got here alive after the break. Within the 51st minute, Virgil van Dijk broke by way of Japan’s defence with a header to present the Netherlands the lead. Nonetheless, simply six minutes later, Japan equalised when Koki Nakamura’s low shot deflected off Van Hecke and into the web. Within the sixty fourth minute, Summerville restored the Dutch benefit with an excellent left-footed curling end.

Japan, who had crushed Brazil and England throughout their preparation interval, refused to again down and finally discovered a means again by way of sustained strain. Within the 88th minute, Koki Ogawa headed the ball from a nook, and it deflected off teammate Daichi Kamada’s head earlier than going into the web, dramatically altering the outlook of Group F.

Ultimately, Japan held the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw and prolonged the unbeaten run of AFC groups at this event.

Summerville Named Participant Of The Match, However Objective Can’t Cover Dutch Frustration

Summerville was one of the crucial threatening gamers on the pitch. He obtained a yellow card within the 61st minute, however simply three minutes later, he proved his worth with an outstanding left-footed end into the far nook, scoring his first World Cup aim.

All through the second half, Summerville continued to create hazard down the left flank and supplied the Netherlands with their clearest attacking outlet. Though the outcome was finally disappointing for the Dutch, his particular person efficiency was nonetheless the largest spotlight of their match.

Each Groups Take One Level As Group F Stays Open

After this outcome, the Netherlands and Japan every moved onto one level, leaving Group F extensive open. For Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands, twice taking the lead and twice being pegged again uncovered considerations over their defensive stability and recreation administration when forward.

For Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan, the absence of the injured Kaoru Mitoma was felt, as their assault lacked sustained risk for lengthy intervals and solely turned extra aggressive after falling behind.

Self-discipline is one other difficulty each groups should monitor. Summerville, Depay and Van de Ven have all obtained yellow playing cards, and additional bookings might have an effect on crew choice within the upcoming fixtures. The Netherlands will subsequent face Sweden, whereas Japan will tackle Tunisia.

Each side should enhance their ending and their means to guard leads, as any additional dropped factors might considerably slim their path to qualification.