Two Assists, Zero Points — Ryan Gravenberch’s Masterclass Was Wasted by the Netherlands

In a World Cup group opener that felt like it was scripted for a Dutch victory, the Netherlands walked away with only a point — and a whole lot of questions. Ryan Gravenberch did everything a midfielder is supposed to do against a disciplined Japan side: he broke the press, unlocked compact blocks, and delivered two pinpoint assists that should have been the foundation of a comfortable win. Instead, his work was undone in the final ten minutes, and the Dutch are left staring at a 2–2 draw that feels more like a loss.

Gravenberch’s Exit Changed Everything

Gravenberch’s first assist came in the 51st minute, a perfectly arced cross from the right that found Virgil van Dijk for a commanding header. Thirteen minutes later, he slipped a precise pass to Crysencio Summerville, who curled the ball into the net with precision. For a stretch, the Netherlands looked in control. But when manager Ronald Koeman pulled Gravenberch in the 81st minute for Nathan Aké, the team’s creative engine shut down. Without him, the Dutch attack went quiet, and Japan sensed blood.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Japan had just pulled one back through Keito Nakamura in the 57th minute, and the momentum was already shifting. With Gravenberch on the bench, the Netherlands lost their ability to connect midfield to attack, and the final minutes became a scramble they couldn’t manage.

Keito Nakamura Stole the Show

Nakamura was the story of this match for Japan. His 57th-minute equalizer — a sharp right-footed finish after combining with Takefusa Kubo — leveled the score at 1–1 just six minutes after Van Dijk’s opener. But his impact went far beyond the goal. Nakamura ran relentlessly from the opening whistle, pressing Dutch defenders, covering ground on both flanks, and delivering dangerous crosses. He nearly scored again in the 44th minute, his shot whistling just wide of the post.

His work rate set the tone for Japan’s entire press. Even when the Netherlands looked poised to extend their lead, Nakamura’s presence kept the Dutch defense on edge. That pressure paid off in the 88th minute when Daichi Kamada rose to head in the equalizer, sealing a hard-fought point for Japan.

Memphis Depay’s Frustrating Cameo

Memphis Depay came on in the 70th minute for Donyell Malen, tasked with providing the spark to put the game away. It didn’t happen. Depay struggled to get involved, picking up a yellow card in the 83rd minute for a frustrated foul on Shogo Taniguchi. In the closing stages, he lost possession under pressure from Kaishu Sano — exactly when the Netherlands needed composure to protect their lead.

While Japan’s substitutes directly contributed to the equalizer, Depay’s entrance produced nothing. The Dutch attack lost its edge at the worst possible moment, and a golden opportunity to open the tournament with three points slipped away.