Virgil Van Dijk’s header has the Netherlands on track for a vital World Cup Group F win over Japan in a gripping contest in Dallas. The Liverpool centre-back’s powerful, accurate header kissed the post to broke the Samurai Blue’s resistance.
Donyell Malen looked dangerous early on with a fierce strike at Zion Suzuki’s goal, before Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo squandered a glorious chance. The Samurai Blue also had their moments, with Keito Nakamura’s strike narrowly missing the outside of the post.
The Dutch have never won the competition, reaching the final three times but losing on each occasion. If an elusive title feels unlikely this year, there is still plenty of quality at the disposal of Ronald Koeman, who has been boosted by the return to fitness of record Dutch scorer Memphis Depay ahead of the action getting underway.
This, however, could be a tricky opening fixture. Japan topped their group four years ago above Spain and Germany, and hopes are high that they might progress beyond the round of 16 this time around for the first time. With Sweden and Tunisia the other members of an intriguing group, a good start may be crucial.
Follow all of the latest from the Group F clash with our live blog below:
GOAL! Japan find equaliser through Nakamura
57 mins: Netherlands 1 – 1 Japan
Well, I was just about to say that the game had settled back into the pattern of the first half – but then out of nowhere Japan equalise! Nakamura was Japan’s liveliest player in the first half, and his drive on the edge of the area flies through a sea of Dutch bodies to find the back of the net.
GOAL! van Dijk nods the Netherlands ahead
51 mins: Netherlands 1 – 0 Japan
The Dutch had started the second period quite brightly. A series of crosses eventually finds van Dijk, who steers a lovely header across goal and into the back of the net, courtesy of the post.
Action restarts in Dallas
46 mins: Netherlands 0 – 0 Japan
We’re into the second half in Texas. We will see a goal?
Depay, Kluivert, Brobbey – Potential options on Dutch bench
After a first-half lacking in quality, Ronald Koeman may turn to his bench to shuffle things up. Memphis Depay is the biggest name listed among the substitutes, whilst Justin Kluivert could potentially play in the 10 and link-up with Gakpo and Malen.
Adding another striker to supplement Malen, who has been a bright spark for the Dutch, might be mooted. Brian Brobbey had a good season with Sunderland – but for something completely different, target man Wout Weghorst could be turned to, especially against a small Japan time already losing aerial battles.
Dutch corner ends half
Half time: Netherlands 0 – 0 Japan
It appears all the goals have been used up in Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao. Malen gets another shot on target before the half ends, nodding Reijnders’ corner into the palms of Suzuki. Half-time and it is goalless in Dallas.
Japan ending the first half on top
45 mins: Netherlands 0 – 0 Japan
Japan are growing in confidence ahead of the break. Ayase Ueda blasts into the side netting after breaking into the box.
Nakamura sends effort narrowly past the post
43 mins: Netherlands 0 – 0 Japan
Much better from Nakamura and Japan this time around. Nakamura receives a high cross with a lovely touch, before shooting towards goal. His effort is direct and quick, but flies past the near post.
Attacking opportunities at a premium
42 mins: Netherlands 0 – 0 Japan
We’re heading towards the break and it looks like we’ll have no goals to show for the first 45 minutes. Nakamura sends a hanging cross straight out of play in Japan’s latest foray forward.
Dutch try again at next set-piece
36 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Japan
Another chance for the Netherlands at a set-play – a free-kick midway through the Japanese half is nodded back to Gakpo, who has to stretch to meet the ball. He blazes over.
Netherlands corner creates dangerous chance
34 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Japan
Malen involved again with another good opportunity at a corner. His header troubles Suzuki, the Japan goalie spilling into a dangerous area. Japan half-clear but Netherlands cannot produce an on-target effort.
