Corinthians forward comes off bench in Netherlands World Cup opener | OneFootball

Forward Memphis Depay returned to action for the Netherlands national team this Sunday, during a 2-2 draw against Japan in the opening round of the World Cup group stage.

The Corinthians player started the match on the bench and was brought on by coach Ronald Koeman in the 24th minute of the second half, replacing Malen. During the time he was on the pitch, the number 10 was actively involved in the team’s attacking plays.

Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

According to Sofascore statistics, Memphis recorded ten touches in about 20 minutes. The forward completed all seven of his passes, made one key pass, delivered one cross, regained possession twice, and also drew a foul. The Dutchman was also shown a yellow card.

When he entered the match, the European side was leading 2-1. The Netherlands started the game with Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk and Van de Ven; De Jong, Gravenberch and Reijnders; Summerville, Gakpo and Malen.

Despite a goalless first half, all four goals came after the break. The first came five minutes in, when Van Dijk took advantage of a corner kick and headed the ball into the net.

Japan’s equalizer came shortly after. In the 11th minute, Nakamura struck from long range, the ball deflected off Van Hecke and left Verbruggen with no chance to save it.

The Dutch response was quick. In the 18th minute, Gravenberch found Summerville making a run down the right. The forward cut inside and curled his shot home to restore the Netherlands’ lead.

However, just as Ronald Koeman’s side was closing in on victory, Japan found the strength to level in the final minutes. In the 43rd minute, after a corner kick, Ogawa got a touch with his head and the ball still brushed Kamada before going in, sealing the 2-2 draw.

The Netherlands are in Group F of the tournament, alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. With the result, they have one point and provisionally sit at the top of the group.

The Netherlands’ next match will be on June 20, when they face Sweden at 2 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston. Their final group-stage match is scheduled for the 25th against Tunisia at 8 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

While Memphis is representing his country at the World Cup, Corinthians will also benefit financially. Under FIFA’s compensation program for clubs releasing players to the tournament, Timão will receive five thousand dollars per day for as long as the forward remains with the squad.

Alongside the World Cup, the future of the number 10 remains a topic behind the scenes at Parque São Jorge. The current deal between the parties expires at the end of July, but the Corinthians board has already submitted an official proposal to extend the player’s stay.

Now, the decision depends exclusively on Memphis’ assessment of and response to the terms presented. Internally, the outlook is positive, especially given the forward’s recent statements showing interest in continuing to wear the black-and-white shirt.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.