00:00The flowing, attacking football after the break electrified the rival ranks of fans under the stadium's gigantic roof cover,
00:07suggesting both nations can feel highly confident about their prospects in the global tournament.
00:12Three goals were scored in a dizzying 13-minute second-half spell,
00:17which began when Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk headed the ball in off the post in the 51st minute to
00:23break the initial deadlock.
00:24Japan was quickly stung into action and drew level within six minutes,
00:29with Keito Nakamura firing in a well-deserved equalizer against the three-times World Cup finalists.
00:36Crescensio Somerville restored the lead for the Oragna in the 64th minute,
00:41unleashing a low shot that went in off the woodwork to put the Dutch side 2-1 ahead.
00:46Japan battled back to level the score for a second time in the 88th minute,
00:50courtesy of a powerful header from substitute Koki Ogawa that glanced off the scalp of Daichi Kamada
00:56and flew past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
01:00The scintillating second half stood in stark contrast to a KG opening 45 minutes,
01:05where a solid Japan side showed exactly why they had gone five consecutive games before the tournament
01:11without conceding a single goal.
01:13Much pre-match attention focused on Ronald Koeman's decision
01:17to start Donyell Mallon as the spearhead of his attack,
01:21leaving the nation's fully fit record scorer, Memphis Depay, on the bench.
01:26The A.S. Roma striker forced Japan keeper Zion Suzuki into a smart save in the third minute,
01:32putting on a lively performance and creating multiple chances
01:36before being replaced by Depay with 20 minutes remaining.
01:39At the final whistle, even the typically dour Dutch coach was all smiles
01:44as he shook hands with his Japanese counterpart Hajime Moriyasu,
01:48reflecting a result that leaves both sides in a strong position.
01:52The dramatic draw leaves the race for Group F wide open,
01:56where off-form Sweden and defensively strong Tunisia wait as the remaining group stage opponents.
02:02A challenging road lies ahead for the top two teams advancing from Group F,
02:07with five-times world champions Brazil and 2022 semifinalists Morocco
02:13likely awaiting them in the first knockout round.
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