/ Jun 17, 2026
/ Jun 17, 2026

Late Kamada goal rescues Japan in 2-2 World Cup thriller with Netherlands

Published on

By

Japan and the Netherlands played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in their 2026 World Cup Group F opener, with a late equaliser denying the Dutch victory.

 

The match, played in Texas in front of 69,285 fans, saw the Netherlands take the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk, who headed home after a pinpoint cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan responded swiftly, with Keito Nakamura levelling the score before the Netherlands regained control through a fine curled finish from Crysencio Summerville.

The Dutch looked set for victory until late pressure from Japan paid off. A corner caused chaos in the box, and a deflected effort saw Daichi Kamada credited with the 88th-minute equaliser.

Both sides created further chances in a lively second half, with the Netherlands managed by Ronald Koeman and Japan led by Hajime Moriyasu.

The result leaves both teams level in Group F after one of the more competitive opening fixtures of the tournament.

You May Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

Must Read

US President Donald Trump addressing reporters in the White House briefing room during a statement on the US-Iran peace agreement announcement.

‘Without me, there would be no Israel’ says Trump as he criticises Netanyahu over Lebanon strike at G7 summit

US President Donald Trump has criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military action in Lebanon, making the remarks during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.   Trump said Washington’s support remains central to Israel’s existence and warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is dragging on for too long amid rising tensions linked to the Israel–Lebanon front. His comments came after Israel carried out an airstrike in a Beirut suburb despite a reported US-Iran agreement aimed at calming regional hostilities, including in Lebanon and surrounding areas. Netanyahu had earlier insisted Israeli forces would remain in designated security zones, saying operations against Hezbollah would continue. Trump also criticised the scale of Israel’s military response, arguing that not every target required large-scale destruction and urging a faster resolution to the conflict. He added that continued violence was undermining broader diplomatic efforts in the region. The remarks highlight growing public friction between Washington and Tel Aviv as diplomatic efforts to stabilise the Middle East face renewed strain.
Read more

Editor's Pick

Trending News

Newsletter

Enter your email address and receive notifications of news by email.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

© 2026 GongNews. All Rights Reserved.