Virgil van Dijk was on target for the Netherlands, but it wasn't enough to secure all three points against Japan in their World Cup Group F opener. The Dutch were denied victory when Koki Ogawa's header two minutes from time took a deflection off Daichi Kamada before going in at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Van Dijk's Goal Sparks VAR Dispute
Van Dijk had headed his side ahead six minutes into the second half after connecting with Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch's cross. However, Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu was left furious on the sidelines as he believed VAR should have checked for a foul in the build-up. Although a VAR check took place after the goal, it only checked for offside and not a foul. Moriyasu made his feelings clear to the fourth official.
Match Summary
Japan hit back through Keito Nakamura before Ronald Koeman's side went ahead again in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville scored a fine individual goal. However, Japan rescued a point when substitute Ogawa rose highest to head Junya Ito's corner past Bart Verbruggen.
Van Dijk's Reaction
Speaking after the game, Van Dijk said: "They didn't create that much, so that's why it's extra disappointing that we conceded through a set-piece. But that's the reality, we take the point, and now we focus on Sweden. We just have to keep going. Hopefully there are still many more games to come for us. Because we conceded late on, it doesn't feel as nice, but we move on."
Japan Coach's Apology
Japan boss Moriyasu said: "We managed to get a result through our collective effort. We defended patiently and then tried to be more aggressive going forward. The players executed what we had planned and prepared for." Ahead of the game, Moriyasu offered a tearful apology to Wataru Endo for the decision that led to the Liverpool midfielder's international retirement. Endo retired after being ruled out of the World Cup due to a foot problem sustained against Sunderland on February 11. Moriyasu stated: "Overall, the medical staff and I shared the opinion that it would be difficult for him to play at 100 percent. Based on my own observations of his rehabilitation, I made that judgment." He added: "Not only did we hurt Endo, but we also caused pain to his family, who cherish him, the supporters, and many others. I feel deeply sorry and would like to apologize. However, I have never lost respect for the player."
