World Cup group stage: Netherlands 2-1 Japan (2nd half)

World Cup group stage: Netherlands 2-1 Japan (2nd half)

• 70'

  The Netherlands made three changes after the break. Memphis Depay, Teun Koopmeiners and Quinten Timber come on for Malen, Reinders and Summerville, who scored the second goal.

• 67'

  Time for another hydration break.

• 66'

  Kubo almost equalized for Japan from a bold long-range effort.

• 64'

  Netherlands score again!

  Just three minutes after getting booked, Summerville got the Netherlands ahead. After receiving the ball from Gravenberch on the right, he cut inside and curled a shot past Suzuki. Gravenberch got his second assist in the match.

• 61'

  Crysencio Summerville tripped Tsuyoshi Watanabe and was booked.

• Japan's players celebrate with supporters after scoring the equalizer against the Netherlands. Photo by AFP

• 57'

  Equalizer for Japan!

  It only took six minutes for the Blue Samurai to respond! Japan worked the ball nicely on the left and it found Nakamura, who had moved to the center, suddenly turned and shot from 25 yards with his right foot. It took a deflection off either Maeda or Van Hecke, giving Bart Verbruggen no chance.

• Captain Virgil van Dijk (C) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for the Netherlands. Photo by AFP

• 51'

  Goal for Netherlands!

  The ball was cleared from a free kick and found Ryan Gravenberch on the right. His cross found Virgil Van Dijk, who headed the ball to the far post and it was impossible for Suzuki to make a save. What a header from the Netherlands skipper, and that Liverpool connection from Van Dijk and Gravenberch is just perfect.

  Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (1) is beaten by a header from Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk (4) for the opening goal during the World Cup Group F football match between the Netherlands and Japan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, June 15, 2026. Photo by AP

• 46'

  Second half is here!

  We are back after the break. No changes on either side.