Late equalizing goal shows Japan’s growth on World Cup stage
Sometimes a little luck can go a long way, and Japan found that out firsthand in its 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in group stage action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
Trailing 2-1 in the 88th minute, Japan was desperately seeking an equalizer as it tried to avoid a second straight World Cup loss to the Dutch. The Netherlands defeated Japan 1-0 in the 2010 World Cup.
Japan perfectly executed its set-piece with a corner kick from Junya Ito that reached the head of Koki Ogawa. Ogawa was aiming for a header toward the goal, but the ball ricocheted off the head of his teammate Daichi Kamada and slipped past Dutch goaltender Bart Verbruggen.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu erupted with emotion, pumping both of his fists as he watched his club pull off the improbable late goal.
“We were trailing from behind with a very difficult opponent. The teams were united as one,” Moriyasu said.
It was a dramatic turn of events when it appeared Japan was moments away from the defeat. The bounce off of Kamada may have been lucky, but Japan created its own luck with an aggressive second-half attack after Crysencio Summerville’s goal in the 64th minute put it in a deficit.
As emotional as the final goal was, Moriyasu was adamant that Japan wasn’t satisfied with earning just one point in the draw despite Netherlands being ranked No. 8 and Japan being ranked No. 18, according to FIFA.
Since Moriyasu took over, Japan has battled with some of Europe’s best teams. During the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Moriyasu led Japan to wins over Germany and Spain, and now Japan was able to take a point away from the Netherlands.
There’s a sense of belief throughout the Japanese national team that now it’s capable of going toe-to-toe with the world’s elite. Sunday’s result will only increase that confidence.
“Since the last World Cup, we’ve won against top international teams,” Kamada said. “Today the game was very tough, but we could get one point, so that’s the difference between the past and now. This World Cup we want to win, we still can improve a lot. We have potential.”
Kamada said the talent and experience of his teammates helped Japan avoid being discouraged after falling behind for a second time.
The Dutch dominated the first 70 minutes of action, with Japan only recording one shot on target, but the final 20 minutes belonged to Japan.
“We have experience now. Many players played in the last World Cup,” Kamada said. “This is very important to play in this big competition. We have players that play for the big club. Many players play in the European leagues or the Champions League. We always play against this type of opponent.”
Kamada being in the right place for the ball to ricochet off him for a goal is an early contender for the moment of the tournament, and if Japan is able to replicate its performance in the final 20 minutes, then it could end up being one of the dark horses of the World Cup.
This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 8:03 PM.
