Japan showed their battling qualities to salvage a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their World Cup ‌Group F opener on Sunday (June 14, 2026) as Hajime Moriyasu’s side backed up their desire to make an impact at the tournament with a gritty display.

Daichi Kamada was credited ⁠with his side’s all-important second goal in the 88th minute when the ball deflected off the Crystal Palace midfielder’s head to beat Bart Verbruggen after Koki Ogawa had powered his header towards goal.