World Cup: Japan's Late Fightback Earns 2-2 Draw vs Netherlands
In the ring or on the pitch, the true fighter never stops believing. Japan proved exactly that on Sunday, scoring an 89th-minute equaliser to rescue a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener at Arlington, Texas. Twice down, twice back. That is the heart of a champion, hindi susuko, never surrendering.
How did the match unfold in Arlington?
Before 69,285 spectators at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys, the contest simmered through a quiet first half before igniting after the break. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring with a signature header on 51 minutes, rising above the defence the way only a warrior of his stature can. But Japan responded just six minutes later, Keito Nakamura wriggling free and firing low past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutch struck again on 64 minutes when Crysencio Summerville curled a beautiful left-footed finish into the bottom corner. At that point, many teams would have crumbled. Japan did not. With the tenacity that defines great nations, they pushed forward until Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada found the net in the 89th minute, his effort taking a deflection that wrongfooted Verbruggen.