"Best match of this World Cup": U.S. media praises Japan-Netherlands game performance

*This content was translated by AI.

Following a back-and-forth battle that ended in a 2-2 draw, the first group stage match of Group F in the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup between Japan and the Netherlands received high praise as the best match of the tournament.

The U.S. media outlet The Athletic reported on the 15th (Korean time), "The match between Japan and the Netherlands, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw thanks to a late equalizer by Japan, is being evaluated as the highest-quality match of this tournament."

The outlet explained, "Even before the group draw, the matchup between the two teams was considered one of the biggest matches of the group stage. There was a view that the Netherlands, ranked eighth in the FIFA rankings, was overrated relative to their actual strength, while many believed Japan, ranked 18th, was underrated."

It further noted, "While the U.S. victory over Paraguay and the enthusiastic atmosphere in Mexico City during the opening match also drew attention in this World Cup, when it comes to the quality of play, the Japan-Netherlands match was the best. The flow, tension, and tactical execution were all at the highest level."

It added, "Japan's football was actually closer to traditional total football than the Netherlands'. Both teams demonstrated competitiveness whether they had possession or not, constantly exchanging control throughout the match. Although there were concerns that the group stage might lose its tension after expanding to a 48-team format, the fact that such a match still took place is a hopeful sign."

The Athletic also praised the Japanese national team, led by head coach Hajime Moriyasu.

The outlet stated, "Japan shows strength in both defense and counterattacks based on its solid organizational structure. While the 3-4-2-1 formation is their base, they shift to a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation when defending and quickly launch counterattacks after regaining possession. The Japanese national team's strength should not be underestimated. They possess both organizational strength and confidence, and can surprise many in this tournament."

On this day, Japan and the Netherlands drew 2-2 in their first group stage matchup at Dallas Stadium in the United States. Both teams, having cautiously managed the game to finish the first half scoreless, engaged in a back-and-forth battle in the second half, targeting each other's weaknesses.

The Netherlands took the lead with an early goal by Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) in the 5th minute of the second half, but Japan equalized through Keito Nakamura (Reims). Although the match seemed to tilt in the Netherlands' favor after an additional goal by Christian Pulisic (West Ham), it ended in a draw when Japan scored a dramatic equalizer in the 43rd minute of the second half.

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*This content was translated by AI.