Daichi Kamada’s 89th-minute header sparked wild scenes in Dallas as Japan twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands in their opening World Cup Group F match, a game immediately hailed as an instant classic.
Virgil van Dijk headed the Dutch ahead before Keito Nakamura lashed home an equaliser. West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville then restored the Netherlands’ lead with a sublime curling finish, only for Japan to strike back deep into stoppage time: Koki Ogawa’s header deflected home off Kamada, prompting frantic celebrations among the Samurai Blue faithful.
“Daichi Kamada's 89th-minute header secures 2-2 draw for Japan against Netherlands in World Cup Group F thriller.”
Those fans quickly became the story off the pitch. Within minutes of the final whistle, supporters armed with blue bin bags swept through the stands at the AT&T Stadium collecting rubbish, a gesture that has become synonymous with Japanese fans since the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Social media erupted with praise: “Best fans in the game. So happy they’re in my home city,” one user posted. Another wrote: “Love the Japanese culture. So respectful, mature, and considerate.”
But for viewers watching at home on ITV, the picture was far from respectful. Dozens complained on X about the broadcaster’s picture quality, with one fuming: “The @ITV picture quality of the World Cup is awful. Should have stayed in Salford and invested in some camera technology. It’s like watching on a 24 inch Granada rental in the early 80s.” Another wrote: “Why is the picture-quality so awful for the World Cup on ITV? Is there anywhere else I can watch it?” ITV’s coverage, led by Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter, features pundits including Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Emma Hayes. Earlier, ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane had promised “the biggest FIFA World Cup in history” with “comprehensive coverage across ITV, ITVX, our World Cup 24/7 Channel, plus our digital platforms”.
Among the crowd in Dallas was an unlikely pairing: Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Dutch King Willem-Alexander, who watched the match together with their families, a moment captured by royal photographers.
The result leaves Group F wide open, with Japan having shown resilience after the shock retirement of Liverpool midfielder and captain Wataru Endo just days before the tournament.