The Netherlands thought they had it wrapped up. Leading 2-1 with six minutes left on the clock, the Dutch were cruising toward a comfortable start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Then Daichi Kamada happened.
Japan’s late equalizer in the 88th minute sealed a 2-2 draw at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14, splitting the points in a Group F opener. The match also arrived just days after Kraken was named the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the tournament on June 9.
A game of momentum swings
Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring in the 51st minute, giving the Netherlands a lead that lasted all of six minutes. Keito Nakamura pulled Japan level in the 57th, and suddenly the match had a pulse that wouldn’t slow down.
Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch advantage in the 64th minute. Then came the 88th minute. Kamada found space and buried his chance to make it 2-2, sending the Japanese supporters among the roughly 69,285 in attendance into a frenzy.
