2026 World Cup

The Netherlands and Japan draw 2–2; Sweden thrash Tunisia

A thrilling encounter between the Netherlands and Japan, with the Ivory Coast beating Ecuador 1–0, whilst Sweden left the African side with no chance

by Marco Bellinazzo

15 June 2026

Coppa del Mondo FIFA 2026 - Gruppo F - Paesi Bassi vs Giappone - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, Stati Uniti - 14 giugno 2026 Il giapponese Koki Ogawa in azione prima che Daichi Kamada segni il secondo gol della sua squadra REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach REUTERS

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Netherlands v Japan 2–2

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The matches played on the night of Monday 15 June have provided some interesting insights. The Netherlands and Japan put on a show and drew a match that either side could well have won. Ivory Coast demonstrated solidity and ruthlessness – essential qualities in short tournaments – beating Ecuador in the dying moments. Sweden thrashed Tunisia and sent out a strong signal: organised, effective and boasting great attacking quality, they could be one of the competition’s surprise packages.

Netherlands – Japan 2–2

At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Netherlands and Japan put on an intense and thrilling match, particularly in the second half. The first half ended goalless, with the Oranje looking the more attacking side but unable to convert their chances, whilst Japan were organised and solid in defence. The script changed completely in the second half. It was the Dutch captain, Virgil van Dijk, who broke the deadlock, rising highest to head home a set-piece in the 51st minute to give his side the lead. The Japanese response was swift: just a few minutes later, Keito Nakamura equalised with a precise shot from the edge of the box, bringing the scores level.

The Netherlands continued to press and managed to take the lead once again through Crysencio Summerville, who scored a stunning curling goal that seemed to seal the match. But Japan showed great character and, just when the match seemed decided, found the equaliser to make it 2-2 in the 89th minute: from a corner, Daichi Kamada’s winning deflection left the Dutch stunned.

The Netherlands showed quality and control of the game, but paid the price for struggling to hold onto their lead. Japan, on the other hand, proved themselves to be a tight-knit and mentally strong side, never giving up. Among the standout performers were Van Dijk, who dominated in the air, and Nakamura, who was a constant threat between the lines.

Ivory Coast – Ecuador 1–0

In Philadelphia, meanwhile, the Ivory Coast secured a hard-fought but invaluable victory, beating Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a late goal. The match was anything but a deadlock: for long periods, Ecuador dictated the play, creating numerous chances and hitting the woodwork on several occasions. The South Americans controlled the tempo and looked closer to scoring, but their lack of precision in front of goal proved their undoing.

Ivory Coast grew into the game as the minutes ticked by, managing to withstand the pressure and stay in the match. Just when a 0-0 draw seemed inevitable, the decisive moment arrived: in the 90th minute, following a move down the right, Amad Diallo struck the winning goal, beating the Ecuadorian goalkeeper and securing all three points for the Africans.

In the closing stages, Ecuador launched a desperate attack, but the Ivorian defence held firm. The result rewards the Ivory Coast’s clinical finishing, whilst leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of the South Americans, who put in a brilliant but ineffective performance. Among the standout performers were Diallo, for his decisive goal, and Caicedo, who led the Ecuadorian midfield with great quality.

Sweden 5–1 Tunisia

It was a completely different story in Monterrey, Mexico, where Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5–1. The Scandinavians started strongly and took the lead through Yasin Ayari after just seven minutes. They were in complete control of the game and, in the 30th minute, Alexander Isak, always a threat in the attacking third, doubled the lead.

Tunisia tried to get back into the game and pulled one back just before half-time through Omar Rekik, briefly reigniting their hopes. But in the second half, the gulf between the two sides became clear.

A Tunisian defensive error paved the way for the third goal, scored by Viktor Gyökeres in the 59th minute. From then on, Sweden controlled the game and struck again in the closing stages through Svanberg and Ayari himself, who completed his brace in stoppage time to make the final score 5–1.

The Swedish team impressed with their organisation, physicality and ability to capitalise on their opponents’ mistakes. Tunisia, on the other hand, paid the price for their defensive frailties and their struggle to keep up with the pace set by their opponents. Among the standout performers were Ayari, who scored a brace, and Isak, who was once again decisive in attack.