Japan refused to lose in their World Cup opener on Sunday, twice fighting back to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Group F at the stadium usually home to the Dallas Cowboys.
The match took place before 69,285 spectators, according to Al Jazeera. It was a slow first half that sparked into life after the break.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands the lead on 51 minutes, rising to plant a well-placed header into the bottom corner after a pinpoint cross from club teammate Ryan Gravenberch. Japan responded quickly. Keito Nakamura wriggled free and fired low past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen just six minutes later, with the ball taking a small deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Dutch went back ahead on 64 minutes when West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville beat his man and curled a finish into the bottom corner. The Netherlands held on to that lead for more than 20 minutes before Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada was credited with a goal after a deflection in the 88th minute.
Both teams were missing key players due to injury coming into the match. On paper, the fixture was considered one of the more attractive in the group stage. The Dutch have been runners-up at the World Cup three times. Japan have never advanced past the last 16.
Sweden and Tunisia were set to meet later Sunday in the other Group F match.
