The World Cup's fourth day produced a late drama and a rout, as Japan rallied for a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and Germany overwhelmed tournament debutant Curaçao 7-1.
In the day's standout match in Arlington, Texas, the Netherlands and Japan traded goals in a frantic second half. Virgil van Dijk put the Dutch ahead in the 50th minute, but Keito Nakamura equalized for Japan in the 57th and Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead in the 64th. Japan kept pushing, and Daichi Kamada struck in the 88th minute, set up by Koki Ogawa, to secure a 2-2 draw. The result left both teams level on a point at the top of Group F.
Earlier, in Houston, Germany was briefly stunned when Livano Comenencia gave Curaçao a historic equalizer, a milestone for one of the smallest nations ever to reach the World Cup. The four-time champions responded emphatically, scoring six unanswered goals to win 7-1 and open their Group E campaign in style.
In Group E's other match, Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0, with Amad Diallo striking late in the second half to settle a tight contest. Sweden closed out the day with an emphatic 5-1 win over Tunisia in Group F.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, continues through the group stage, with the round of 32 set to begin June 28.
Originally published on HNGN
