Daichi Kamada and Japan looked destined to open their World Cup campaign with a defeat, a result few would have questioned against a formidable Dutch side.
Instead, Kamada delivered a moment that could become part of Japanese football folklore, especially if the Samurai Blue ride this result into another run to the round of 16.
The midfielder struck in the 88th minute when Koki Ogawa's header glanced off him and into the net, sparking wild celebrations among Japan supporters and securing a dramatic 2-2 draw against the higher-ranked Netherlands on Sunday.
The result stretched the Dutch unbeaten run in World Cup group-stage matches to 17 games, but it felt little like a victory. Oranje fans were left stunned by Japan's late equalizer as the Netherlands' group-stage record moved to 21 wins, two losses and 11 draws.
"Our players managed to be tenacious but at the same time be patient and just keep calm and find and seize an opportunity," Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said through an interpreter. His team reached the round of 16 for the fourth time in 2022 in Qatar.
