Daichi Kamada scores dramatic late equalizer as Japan draw 2-2 against Netherlands at 2026 World Cup Group F game
The Netherlands and Japan played to a draw in a closely contested match in Group F of the 2026 World Cup. Although Crysencio Summerville appeared to have scored the winning goal for Ronald Koeman’s team, Daichi Kamada equalized in the final minutes of the match. Netherlands arrived as the clear favorite to defeat Japan in the 2026 World Cup Group F match. While they dominated possession, they were not effective at all, remaining far from scoring a third goal. Nonetheless, Crysencio Summerville’s goal seemed to give Ronald Koeman’s team the victory, but Daichi Kamada scored in the final minutes to level 2-2 the match. Unlike Koeman’s team, Japan was not looking to dominate the ball. Instead, they remained quite effective with the ball. By relying on a crowded defense, they managed to close down chances for the Netherlands, who could not do much damage. Then, they looked to press and recover the ball to break on the counterattack. With this, they constantly reached the opposition penalty area, but their lack of efficiency came back to haunt them. With Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch, Netherlands imposed a great rhythm on the game, controlling the ball constantly. However, they failed to open up spaces in the Japanese defense, looking totally inefficient. Therefore, Crysencio Summerville’s goal gave them life back, as it was an individual piece of brilliance. After Ronald Koeman’s changes, they dropped off, giving protagonism to Japan, who ended up equalizing the 2026 World Cup group F game. Japan never stopped chasing the equalizer, pressing the Netherlands in the closing minutes. Relying on counterattacks and crosses into the box, they managed to wear down their opponent, opening the door to level the match. Despite the quality of the opposing defenders, a header from Koki Ogawa that was deflected by Daichi Kamada ended up giving his team the equalizer they had pursued throughout the match.