Japan deny Netherlands by fighting back twice in World Cup opener

Asia’s most successful side, Japan, twice come from behind to draw 2-2 with Netherlands in Group F opener.Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser as they twice fought back to rescue a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in front of 69,285 spectators in Texas, opening their World Cup campaigns.A match that had bubbled away in the first period sparked into life in the second half on Sunday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Germany hit Curacao for seven to open their World Cuplist 2 of 4‘Losing three years set us back 20’: Palestinian football’s future in perillist 3 of 4Giants Spain take on tiny Cape Verde to begin World Cup 2026 title bidlist 4 of 4Top five takeaways from Brazil’s blockbuster World Cup clash with Moroccoend of listNetherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk scored with a fine header, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville’s delicious, curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour.The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death, with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection.Sweden face Tunisia in a competitive-looking Group F later on Sunday.Japan and the Netherlands are in North America without key players, due to injury, but on paper, this was still one of the more attractive fixtures in the group stage.Both have been touted as dark horses, capable of going far at the tournament: the Dutch have been runners-up three times, whereas Japan have never gone beyond the last 16.The Netherlands made a confident start and nearly took the lead after three minutes, with Donyell Malen allowed to swivel inside the box before forcing a smart save from Zion Suzuki.The impressive air-conditioned arena is usually home to the Dallas Cowboys, and at the hydration break, the NFL team’s cheerleaders were shown on the massive screen hanging over the pitch, performing one of their routines.The stoppage seemed to help Ronald Koeman’s side, and Roma forward Malen again worked Suzuki with a header from a corner, then Cody Gakpo fired wildly over the bar.