Koeman Stands by Choices After Japan's Late Equalizer
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has defended his tactical decisions and substitutions after Japan snatched a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.
The Dutch appeared to be heading for victory after captain Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville twice put them ahead. However, Keito Nakamura had earlier equalized for Japan, and a deflected effort from Daichi Kamada two minutes from time rescued a point for the Blue Samurai.
Koeman faced scrutiny after making a triple substitution six minutes after Summerville restored the lead in the 64th minute. He later reinforced the defense with a third centre-back, but Japan responded strongly and eventually found the equalizer after sustained pressure.
Despite the outcome, Koeman refused to second-guess his decisions. “There was also a problem with pressure on the flanks. So if you look at the game, both goals, well, we didn't defend well,” he told reporters after the match. “Football is a funny game because, after Japan scored the second goal, they started defending as well. So we could have scored a third goal. So I don't regret my choices.”
Japan's late leveller came after a dangerous header was directed goalward before Kamada's effort took a decisive deflection on its way into the net, denying the Netherlands a victory they had expected.
Koeman also introduced the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay, from the bench in the second half after declaring him fit following a recent thigh problem. Depay replaced Donyell Malen but was unable to influence the result and picked up a yellow card.
The Dutch coach acknowledged that his side fell short of expectations and insisted there is room for improvement as the tournament progresses. “Of course, we can perform better, and we need to grow during the tournament. This definitely was not our best performance. Of course, we would have preferred to win the first game. We expected to.”
Koeman also suggested Japan had not received enough respect heading into the contest, describing the Netherlands' display as being only at a “minimal standard” against a determined opponent.
The 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists will now turn their attention to a crucial Group F clash against Sweden in Houston, while Japan take confidence from a spirited comeback that earned them a valuable point in their tournament opener.
