CORNERFLICK
Ronald Koeman said Japan showed why they are one of the toughest sides at the World Cup after the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener.
The Dutch led twice through Virgil van Dijk and Crisencio Semmerville, but could not protect either advantage. Daichi Kamada scored a late equaliser to earn Japan a point.
Koeman said his side knew Japan were a strong team and praised their fight to the end. He also said the Netherlands had not defended their lead well enough.
"When you go ahead twice, you expect to win," Koeman said. "But at the World Cup, every mistake is punished. We have to learn from this result and prepare for the next game."
The draw tightens Group F, which also contains Sweden and Tunisia. The Netherlands face Sweden in their next match, a game that could prove important in the race for top spot.