The Goal.com Winners & Losers in Netherlands v Japan

In partnership with

GOAL

·14 June 2026

The Goal.com Winners & Losers in Netherlands v Japan

Japan twice came from behind to earn a 2–2 draw against Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener, with Daichi Kamada's 88th-minute header securing a hard-fought point after Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville had put the Dutch ahead. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Netherlands v Japan.

Winners

Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands)

Ryan Gravenberch delivered two assists that gave Netherlands the platform for victory, only for his team to let it slip. His perfectly arced cross from the right found Virgil van Dijk for the opener in the 51st minute, and his precise pass set up Crysencio Summerville's curling finish thirteen minutes later.

OneFootball Videos

The midfielder's ability to beat Japan's press with quick turns unlocked their compact block on multiple occasions. He made progressive carries into dangerous areas and showed excellent vision to find teammates between the lines, constantly posing problems for Japan's midfield with his range of passing.

Gravenberch's withdrawal for Nathan Aké in the 81st minute removed Netherlands' most productive creative outlet at a crucial moment. Without his service, the Dutch struggled to create meaningful chances in the final stages as Japan pushed forward. The two goals his assists produced ultimately counted for nothing as Japan secured their comeback.

Keito Nakamura (Japan)

Keito Nakamura produced an outstanding performance that earned Japan a vital point when they looked set for defeat. His 57th-minute equalizer, a well-struck right-footed shot after combining with Takefusa Kubo, leveled the match at 1–1 just six minutes after Virgil van Dijk had put Netherlands ahead.

Beyond his goal, Nakamura's relentless running set the tone for Japan's pressing game from the first minute to the last. He covered significant ground on both flanks, provided defensive cover for his full-back, and delivered dangerous crosses into the area. Earlier, his 44th-minute effort had narrowly whistled wide of the left post.

Nakamura's tireless work rate and match-turning goal kept Japan in contention throughout the second half. When Netherlands looked poised to extend their lead, his presence ensured the Dutch could never feel comfortable. His performance epitomized the resilience that allowed Japan to recover from behind twice.

Loser

Memphis Depay (Netherlands)

Memphis Depay entered the match at 2–1 but failed to provide the attacking spark Netherlands needed to secure victory. The substitute arrived in the 70th minute for Donyell Malen and struggled to impose himself as Japan grew into the contest during the final twenty minutes.

Depay picked up a yellow card in the 83rd minute for a foul on Shogo Taniguchi, a booking that reflected his frustration at his peripheral involvement. He lost possession under pressure from Kaishu Sano in the closing stages when Netherlands needed composure and control to protect their advantage.

His inability to affect the match left Netherlands without a creative outlet in the forward areas following Gravenberch's substitution. While Japan's substitutes contributed directly to their equalizer, Depay's entrance yielded little, and the Dutch attack lost its edge precisely when they needed to either extend their lead or see out the result.