Japan hold Netherlands 2–2 as Kamada grabs late equalizer

Japan earn respect in 2–2 draw with Netherlands

Japan took a point off the Netherlands on Saturday, and the football world noticed. Daichi Kamada scored a late equalizer to make it 2–2. The reaction from the Dutch side says plenty. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk criticized the tournament's new drink breaks, while manager Ronald Koeman's defensive substitutions became a major talking point. Japan's resilience forced those changes. That is what a disciplined, opportunistic side does, it makes the opponent uncomfortable enough to abandon its plan.

Fan reactions

The draw lit up the Day 10 discussion thread. Japan fans pointed to the result as proof the gap is closing between Asian and European sides. The mood is part pride, part belief that this team can go further. Join the conversation on Reddit.