Japan, making its eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, experienced an emotional opening match. The Netherlands took the lead two times through Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville. However, Japan equalized both times with goals from Nakamura Keito and Kamada Daichi, securing one point.

Watanabe considered one point in the opening match a significant achievement. "It shows the growth of the entire team", the Feyenoord center-back said after the match.

Virgil van Dijk headed diagonally to open the scoring in the 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan in their first Group F match at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas, USA, on 15/6. Photo: Reuters

Despite the positive result, the 28-year-old player expressed regret over the first goal conceded, where he allowed Van Dijk to head the ball in from a right-wing cross. "That was an unfortunate situation. I should have prevented it. I need to learn from this and prepare better for the next match", Watanabe shared.

Describing the play, the Japanese center-back stated that the cross came from the opposite side. As he prepared to turn and mark, Van Dijk made contact from behind. "I was pushed just as I opened up to track the ball", he said, admitting the opponent did not commit a foul. "It was just enough contact to create space between two people, not a strong push and not enough to be called for a foul. That's why I feel even more regret, because I should have handled it better".

Virgil van Dijk scored the opening goal. Video: TikTok / raash_7

Despite the draw, Japan's performance received positive evaluations from international experts. Analyzing the match, BBC stated that Japan is emerging as one of the notable "dark horses" of the tournament.

"Japan proved their capability with a victory over England at Wembley in March and continues to show potential to create surprises at this year's World Cup. Despite trailing two times, they displayed persistent fighting spirit, determination, and never gave up to earn an important point", BBC commented.

Sky Sports, however, suggested that coach Hajime Moriyasu's squad still has areas to improve. "They defeated Brazil in October and beat England at Wembley in March", the article stated. "Nevertheless, Japan seems to perform their best only when trailing. To meet high expectations, they need to play with more confidence".

Meanwhile, ESPN highlighted that Japan still played impressively despite missing key players like Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, and Takumi Minamino due to injuries. "They will be a very tough opponent for any team. The resilience Japan showed to earn one point against the Netherlands indicates they can certainly become a true 'dark horse' of this World Cup", ESPN assessed.

Japanese players celebrate Kamada Daichi's 2-2 equalizer. Photo: AP

These observations partly aligned with coach Ronald Koeman's assessment. Although the Netherlands squandered a victory after leading two times, the 63-year-old coach still showed great respect for the opponent. "Japan played better right after we opened the scoring. After we led 2-1, they continued to exert strong pressure. It's a shame the equalizer came from a set piece so late in the game", he said.

While leading 2-1, Koeman successively withdrew Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, and Tijjani Reijnders, replacing them with Memphis Depay, Teun Koopmeiners, and Quinten Timber. A few minutes later, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was also substituted for defender Nathan Ake. Following these adjustments, the Netherlands gradually lost control of the game and conceded the equalizer in the 89th minute.

Koeman defended his substitution decisions and rejected the notion that Japan rallied because the Netherlands switched to a defensive playstyle. The former Barcelona coach emphasized that he made substitutions because he saw his team struggling under increasing pressure from Japan. Koeman also believed that many in the Netherlands had not accurately assessed the Japan national football team's true strength.

"In the Netherlands, there's sometimes a belief that we must control the ball and dominate every opponent. This wasn't our best performance, but it was still a high-quality match", Koeman remarked. "If we want to advance deep into the tournament, we certainly need to improve many things. However, drawing with Japan is not a bad result. I am satisfied with the players' performance".

In the second Group F match on 20/6, Japan will face Tunisia, while the Netherlands will play Sweden.

Hong Duy (according to soccer-king.jp, Ad.nl)