By Kunle Solaja.

Japan produced another display of resilience and determination on Sunday, coming from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in a pulsating FIFA World Cup Group F encounter at Dallas Stadium.

A late equaliser from Daichi Kamada ensured Hajime Moriyasu’s side claimed a deserved point after the Dutch had twice appeared on course for victory.

The result leaves Group F finely balanced and further enhances Japan’s reputation as one of the most difficult teams to beat on the world stage.

The opening half was largely a tactical affair with few clear-cut chances.

The Netherlands threatened early when Donyell Malen forced a save from Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the third minute.

Japan gradually settled into the contest and began controlling possession, restricting opportunities for the Dutch attack.

Defender Hiroki Ito produced a crucial intervention to deny Malen midway through the half, while Suzuki remained alert to keep out another Dutch effort before Shogo Taniguchi completed the clearance.

Japan nearly struck first just before halftime when Keito Nakamura narrowly missed the target after being picked out by a cross from Ritsu Doan. Moments later, striker Ayase Ueda hit the side netting as the teams went into the break deadlocked.

The match burst into life after the interval.

The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head home from a well-delivered cross following a set-piece move involving Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan’s response was swift.

Just six minutes later, Takefusa Kubo cut the ball back from the byline to Nakamura, who controlled expertly before firing a deflected effort into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

The Dutch regained the lead in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville. The winger cut inside and curled a superb left-footed effort beyond Suzuki to restore Ronald Koeman’s side’s advantage.

Yet Japan refused to surrender.

As time ticked away, Moriyasu’s men continued to push forward in search of another equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded in the 88th minute when substitute Koki Ogawa powered a header toward goal. The ball took a decisive deflection off Kamada and wrong-footed Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen before finding the net.

The late goal sparked celebrations among the Japanese players and supporters, who had witnessed their team once again demonstrate remarkable character under pressure.

For the Netherlands, the draw will feel like a missed opportunity after twice taking the lead and creating enough chances to secure all three points.

Japan, however, will leave Dallas encouraged by their fighting spirit and ability to recover from adversity against one of Europe’s traditional football powers.

The result keeps both teams firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage as the battle for qualification in Group F intensifies.

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By Kunle Solaja

Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat is poised to write his name into FIFA World Cup history when his side takes on Germany in their Group E opener at the 2026 tournament.

At 78 years and 260 days old, the veteran Dutchman will become the oldest coach ever to lead a team in a World Cup match, setting a new tournament record and adding another remarkable chapter to a coaching career that has spanned more than four decades.

The historic milestone comes as Curaçao prepare for the biggest match in their football history. The Caribbean nation is making its FIFA World Cup debut and faces a daunting opening assignment against four-time champions Germany.

While much of the pre-match attention has focused on Germany’s quest for another world title, Advocaat’s record-breaking appearance has become one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.

Known affectionately as “The Little General,” Advocaat has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career that has taken him across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He has managed several national teams, including the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Serbia and Iraq, while also leading some of Europe’s most prominent clubs.

Now, at an age when most coaches have long since retired, he finds himself guiding Curaçao onto football’s grandest stage.

The achievement is particularly significant given the scale of Curaçao’s accomplishment in reaching the World Cup. The Caribbean island nation is the smallest country ever to qualify for the tournament, and its appearance in North America has already been celebrated as a historic sporting triumph.

Advocaat’s vast experience is expected to be invaluable as Curaçao attempts to compete against some of the world’s leading football nations.

Their first challenge comes against a German side that has participated in more World Cup tournaments than any other European nation and enters the competition among the favourites.

For Advocaat, however, the occasion is about more than records.

The Dutchman has repeatedly demonstrated throughout his career an enduring passion for the game, and leading Curaçao at the World Cup represents another remarkable accomplishment in a journey that began decades ago.

When Curaçao step onto the field against Germany, the match will not only mark the nation’s World Cup debut but will also see Advocaat become the oldest coach ever to patrol the touchline at football’s biggest tournament — a testament to his longevity, dedication and enduring influence on the global game.

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By Kunle Solaja

Tunisia will begin another quest to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history when they face Sweden in their Group F opener.

The North Africans are making their seventh appearance at the finals and arrive determined to finally break through the group-stage barrier that has frustrated previous generations.

Their task, however, will be far from easy against a Sweden side with a strong recent World Cup pedigree.

The Scandinavians have advanced beyond the group phase in each of their last four World Cup appearances and boast extensive experience on football’s biggest stage.

Tunisia have often impressed with their organisation and fighting spirit but have struggled to translate promising performances into qualification for the knockout rounds.

A positive result against Sweden would significantly enhance their hopes of making history this time around.

For Sweden, meanwhile, victory would reinforce their status as one of Europe’s most consistent World Cup performers and provide a solid foundation for the remainder of their campaign.

With both teams targeting progression from Group F, the encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the standings from the very first matchday.

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