Three goals in 13 second-half minutes lit up the intriguing World Cup Group F curtain-raiser between the Netherlands and Japan in Dallas. Captain Virgil van Dijk headed the Dutch in front, only for Japan, who many see as tournament dark horses, to draw level.The Liverpool skipper found the net five minutes after the break to give Oranje a slender lead against a side many predict could cause a few shocks this summer.In a game that up to that point had seen few chances, Van Dijks goal came after in-form forward Donyell Malen had twice seen efforts saved by Zion Suzuki in the Japan goal in the first half.Keito Nakamura had the Asian sides best sight of goal but the winger could only drag his volley wide.However, Nakamura made no mistake with his second effort after the break, sweeping home just minutes after his team had gone behind.But the Netherlands were not down for long. Seven minutes later, Crysencio Summerville restored the lead when he cut onto his left and curled a fine finish into the far corner. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Japan National Football Team Netherlands National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Netherlands 2-2 Japan: World Cup 2026 report, result, goals as intriguing clash lives up to billing 101 GreatGoals 14th June, 2026 LIVE Netherlands v Japan: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Oranje face Asian giants Jon Fisher 13th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Netherlands vs Japan confirmed line-ups and full teams 101 GreatGoals 14th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Germany vs Curacao confirmed line-ups and full teams 101 GreatGoals 14th June, 2026 Saudi Arabia v Uruguay: Line-ups, stats and preview as Bielsas men aim to avoid upset Nicholas McGee 14th June, 2026 Four years on, can Lionel Messi drag Argentina to another World Cup title? Mitch Fretton 13th June, 2026
