Verbruggen error costs Oranje as Sweden loom

Oranje throw it away late

Netherlands 2–2 Japan. Your World Cup opener was minutes from a win, then Bart Verbruggen spilled a late shot and Daichi Kamada pounced on the rebound to equalise. A sickener. Verbruggen himself called it a "smear" on his debut (1). The result leaves you with one point from a game you had in your pocket, and Sweden already sitting top of Group F on three after demolishing Tunisia 5–1 (3) (5).

Summerville's dream debut

One bright spot: Crysencio Summerville scored on his World Cup debut. The 24-year-old, starting on that problem right flank alongside Denzel Dumfries, found the net in a moment he said he "had promised" himself (2). His goal put you in front. It deserved to be a winner.

Koeman's subs under fire

The decision to take off Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay is being called the turning point. Foreign media were blunt: Oranje "called all their problems down on themselves" with those changes (6). One report labelled the substitutions a "misjudgment by Koeman" that cost two points (9). Koeman was defiant afterwards: "This is not the best you are going to see" (10) (11).

Van Nistelrooij interview causes irritation

Assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooij gave a live interview during the match that left plenty of fans and pundits annoyed. The timing, while the game was still being played, was described as "getting crazier" (8). Not the look you want from the dugout on opening night.

Sweden fire warning

Sweden 5–1 Tunisia. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres ran riot in the other Group F match, and they now sit top with a fat goal difference (3) (13) (15). That is your next opponent. The game already looks like it could define your group stage.

Fan reactions

The mood among Oranje fans is a mix of frustration and gallows humour. The image doing the rounds is Japanese supporters celebrating Kamada's equaliser at Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, a viral clip that says more about your night than any match report could. See the thread here.