Japan Rescue Dramatic 2-2 Draw Against Netherlands in FIFA World Cup Group F Thriller
Japan came from behind twice to eke out a 2-2 draw with Netherlands in a Group F encounter at the FIFA World Cup.
A dramatic 89th minute from the Blue Samurais rescue a point and ensure that they dropped points for the first time tournament history after going ahead twice in a match.
There were no goals in a competitive first half but exploded in to life in the second half as the Dutch took the lead twice, first through Virgil van Dijk's header to a Ryan Gravenberch assist in the 51st minute and then through Crysencio Summerville's left-footed finish in the 64th.
But Japan battled back both times as Keito Nakamura struck with a long range effort in the 57th and Daichi Kamada redirecting a Koki Ogawa header after a corner kick in the dying stages.
You voted Virgil van Dijk Superior Player of the Match! 🔥
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Player of the Match :Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Hajime Moriyasu, Japan coach said:"I'm disappointed that we failed to win, but even though we fell behind twice, the players never gave up and fought hard together as a team. While earning only a point is a little disappointing, we managed to get a result through our collective effort. We defended patiently and then tried to be more aggressive going forward. The players executed what we had planned and prepared for."
Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands captain said:"I think we defended well. We went a bit too deep in the end, but obviously circumstances play a part in that as well. They didn't create that much, so that's why it's extra disappointing that we conceded through a set-piece. But that's the reality, we take the point, and now we focus on Sweden. We just have to keep going. It's a start and we have to grow into the tournament. Hopefully there are still many more games to come for us. Because we conceded late on, it doesn't feel as nice, but we move on."
