Netherlands
Japan
Netherlands
Japan
Team Overview
In their latest friendly, the Netherlands hosted Uzbekistan and secured a 2-1 victory. This win marked a positive turn for the Dutch side after a recent loss to Algeria.
Match statistics (Netherlands vs Uzbekistan):
Team Overview
Japan faced Iceland in their last friendly, winning 1-0 at home. This victory continued their impressive run, having won their previous three matches.
Match statistics (Japan vs Iceland):
The match between Netherlands and Japan ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams in their World Cup opener.
After a goalless first half, the Netherlands took the lead with a goal from Virgil van Dijk in the 51st minute, assisted by Ryan Gravenberch. However, Japan quickly responded, with Kaoru Nakamura equalizing just six minutes later, demonstrating their resilience.
Netherlands regained the advantage in the 64th minute when C. Summerville scored, again with Gravenberch providing the assist. Despite their lead, the Dutch struggled to maintain control, allowing Japan to mount pressure. In a thrilling finish, Daichi Kamada found the back of the net in the 88th minute, sealing a well-deserved point for Japan.
Statistically, the match was closely contested, with both teams registering 10 total shots. However, the Netherlands enjoyed a higher possession rate at 59% and had more shots on goal (6) compared to Japan's 3. The Dutch defense faced challenges, reflected in their 3 yellow cards, while Japan remained disciplined with none.
This match sets the tone for both teams in the tournament, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of World Cup football.
The Netherlands have shown mixed results in their last ten matches, with a record of 4 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws. They scored a total of 9 goals while conceding 4, averaging 1.8 goals per game and 0.8 goals against. Japan, on the other hand, has been in impressive form, winning 5 consecutive matches, scoring 8 goals and not conceding any, averaging 1.6 goals per game.
In their recent encounters, the Netherlands have maintained a strong possession game, averaging 65% possession in their last match against Uzbekistan. Japan has also displayed solid possession stats, with 55% in their last match against Iceland. The head-to-head record favors the Netherlands, who have won their only previous encounter against Japan in the World Cup 2010, with a score of 1-0.
Netherlands
1
0
1
Japan
0
0
0
B. Verbruggen
G
D. Dumfries
D
J. P. van Hecke
D
V. van Dijk
D
M. van de Ven
D
R. Gravenberch
M
F. de Jong
M
T. Reijnders
M
C. Summerville
F
D. Malen
F
C. Gakpo
F
Z. Suzuki
G
T. Tomiyasu
D
M. Yoshida
D
K. Itakura
D
R. Doan
M
W. Endo
M
A. Tanaka
M
K. Nakamura
M
T. Kubo
F
J. Ito
F
A. Ueda
F
