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Van der Vaart compares Van Dijk to a 'Boeing 747' after Japan draw

Rafael van der Vaart has launched a stinging attack on Virgil van Dijk, comparing the Netherlands captain to a commercial airliner following a shaky defensive display against Japan. Despite the Liverpool man finding the net in the 2-2 draw, Van der Vaart admitted he was stunned by the defender's lack of mobility during the Netherlands' World Cup opener.

Drab Dutch held despite Summerville moment of magic

The Netherlands conceded a late equaliser as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. Second-half strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville looked to have got the Oranje over the line, but they were pegged back on both occasions as Group F began in Dallas.

Netherlands vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Netherlands vs Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups D, E, and F

Explore the top game-day foods from 2026 World Cup Groups D, E and F, plus NYC restaurants to watch matches and sample global flavors.

Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2026 kits

Netherlands 2026 kits revealed - from a new version of the iconic orange to a sleek new away strip.

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations will make debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It will be the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and all will have ambitions of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages.

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