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Sugawara helps Japan earn a point in opening World Cup game
WORLD CUP ROUND-UP: JAPAN DRAW 2-2 WITH THE NETHERLANDS
15/06/26
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Yukinari Sugawara became the first SV Werder Bremen player to feature at the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA, as Japan kicked off their Group F campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. The Green-White loanee came on as a substitute in the 75th minute.
The opening half between Japan and the Netherlands ended goalless, but the match sprang to life after the break. Virgil van Dijk gave the Dutch the lead in the 50th minute before Keito Nakamura levelled for Japan seven minutes later. The Netherlands restored their advantage through Crysencio Summerville on 64 minutes, only for Daichi Kamada to snatch a late equaliser and secure a share of the spoils in the 89th minute.
Sugawara himself came close to becoming Japan’s hero, but the substitute was denied by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in a promising position in the 80th minute. Japan’s remaining Group F fixtures are against Tunisia on 21st June (06:00 CEST) and Sweden on 26th June (01:00 CEST).
Looking to SVW’s other call-ups, Marco Friedl and Romano Schmid will see Austria’s World Cup campaign get underway against Jordan on Wednesday, 17th June 2026. Kick-off is at 06:00 CEST.
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