Three objectives in 13 second-half minutes lit up the intriguing World Cup Group F curtain-raiser between the Netherlands and Japan in Dallas.
Captain Virgil van Dijk headed the Dutch in entrance, just for Japan, who many see as event darkish horses, to attract degree.
The Liverpool skipper discovered the web 5 minutes after the break to provide Oranje a slender lead towards a aspect many predict might trigger a couple of shocks this summer time.
In a sport that as much as that time had seen few possibilities, Van Dijk’s purpose got here after in-form ahead Donyell Malen had twice seen efforts saved by Zion Suzuki within the Japan purpose within the first half.
Keito Nakamura had the Asian aspect’s finest sight of purpose however the winger might solely drag his volley vast.
Nevertheless, Nakamura made no mistake along with his second effort after the break, sweeping dwelling simply minutes after his group had gone behind.
However the Netherlands weren’t down for lengthy. Seven minutes later, Crysencio Summerville restored the lead when he minimize onto his left and curled a nice end into the far nook.
