Van Dijk named player of the match after Japan draw

Virgil van Dijk was named player of the match after the Netherlands drew with Japan, following a performance that included a headed goal and a strong defensive display.

The Liverpool defender was involved throughout the 90 minutes, making the most touches of any player on the pitch with 114. He completed 96 of 103 passes, won all three of his aerial duels, made nine defensive actions and recorded eight clearances.

Van Dijk opened the scoring with a powerful header and spent much of the match dealing with Japanese deliveries into the box. But he could not clear the decisive aerial ball in the 89th minute, and the resulting move ended with Japan's second goal.

That late equaliser turned what had looked like a controlled night for the Netherlands captain into a frustrating draw. Van Dijk is now closing in on 100 caps for the Netherlands and remains one of the most experienced players in the squad.