Kamada rescues Japan in 2–2 World Cup opener against Netherlands

Kamada strikes late, Japan take a point off the Netherlands

Your team walked out of the World Cup opener with a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands, and it was Daichi Kamada who grabbed it (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7). The equaliser came late and it means Asia's unbeaten run against European sides at this tournament rolls on (1). A point against the Dutch. You take that.

Koeman's subs under fire after Japan fightback

Ronald Koeman brought on defensive reinforcements and watched the lead slip. Dutch analysts Gertjan Verbeek and Hedwiges Maduro questioned whether the changes invited pressure (3). Valentijn Driessen went further, singling out Teun Koopmeiners after he replaced Crysencio Summerville in the 70th minute (7). Pieter Zwart and Simon Zwartkruis also tore into Koeman's post-match reasoning, calling it historical revisionism (4). Japan kept pushing and found the crack.

Van Dijk unhappy with drink breaks

Virgil van Dijk made his feelings clear after the final whistle. The Dutch captain is no fan of the mid-half drink breaks introduced at this World Cup, saying so plainly after the 2–2 draw (2). A side note from the night, but one the Netherlands camp did not hide.

Summerville scores a beauty, Depay gets hammered

Crysencio Summerville scored a stunner for the Dutch and earned rave reviews. Paco Jémez, writing in MARCA, called him the summer love of the Netherlands (6). On the other side of the pitch, Memphis Depay got no such grace. Belgian analysts tore into his performance, saying he embarrassed the whole group (5).

Van de Ven cleared on the corner goal

The Dutch media took a close look at Japan's equaliser from the corner and came to one conclusion: Micky van de Ven was not at fault (4). The goal stood, the blame landed elsewhere, and your team got the reward for sustained pressure.