Arlington: A dramatic 88th-minute equaliser from Daichi Kamada ensured Japan snatched a highly entertaining 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their pulsating FIFA World Cup Group F opener at the Dallas Stadium.

A cagey first half saw few clear-cut chances, though Japan's goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was forced into a world-class save within the first three minutes, palming away a powerful right-footed strike from Donyell Malen. Whilst Japan looked comfortable in possession, the Dutch slowly asserted control, with Malen seeing a downward header brilliantly spooned away by Suzuki in the 34th minute.

The match erupted into life after the interval. The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Following a partially cleared free-kick, Ryan Gravenberch lofted a precise cross back into the penalty area, allowing Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk to rise unmarked and power a header into the bottom corner.

Japan responded with tactical alterations and mounting pressure, which finally paid dividends as Keito Nakamura levelled the scoreline. However, parity lasted mere minutes. In the 64th minute, West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville produced a moment of individual magic. Picking up a pass from Gravenberch on the edge of the penalty box, Summerville drifted past the Japanese defence before bending a sublime right-footed strike into the bottom left-hand corner, leaving Suzuki entirely helpless.

With time running out, Dutch manager Ronald Koeman attempted to secure the victory by replacing Gravenberch with defender Nathan Aké to switch to a back five. Yet, Japan refused to capitulate.

In the 88th minute, a late corner delivered from the right flank by substitute Junya Ito found the near post. Fellow substitute Koki Ogawa managed to nod the ball across the face of the goal, where it deflected off Kamada and flew past the diving Bart Verbruggen into the top corner.

Despite six minutes of frantic stoppage time, neither side could find a winner. The dramatic draw leaves Group F wide open, with both nations claiming a vital point to begin their respective World Cup campaigns.