Vol. IThe Bluffball AlmanacSAT, SEP 12, 2026✉ Write innew

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World CupFinal · Full Time14 Jun, 2026

JapanvsNetherlands

JPN 2/NED 2

FOX/Tele/PeacockAT&T Stadium
Things to say

Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw at AT&T Stadium.

01
opener
Japan and the Dutch went two-all at AT&T. Honestly looked like Japan had the better of it for long stretches. Netherlands are lucky to walk away with a point.
02
key player
Zion Suzuki kept Japan in it with four saves. Kid's got ice in his veins.
03
hot take
Two shots from Gakpo? That's it? Koeman's setup is shambolic, no service up top.
04
deep cut
Van Dijk pinged 95 accurate passes and still couldn't organize a clean sheet. Tells you everything about the midfield in front of him.
05
exit
Group's wide open now, gonna be a scrap to see who tops it next match.
The recap

Japan and Netherlands played out a proper 2-2 draw at AT&T Stadium, and honestly Japan will feel like they let one slip against a Dutch side they more than matched. Zion Suzuki was the busier keeper with four saves to Verbruggen's one, and Keito Nakamura kept poking at the Dutch back line all night.

Van Dijk pinged 95 accurate passes like it was a training session, but the Oranje couldn't turn possession into clear looks, with Gakpo managing just two shots. Both sides walk away with a point and plenty to clean up before matchday two.

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