Japan drew with the Netherlands 2-2 in the first match of Group F of the North and Central American Soccer World Cup, drawing praise from Chinese soccer fans. The deadlock was broken five minutes into the second half. The Netherlands took the lead with a header from defender Van Dijk. However, in the 12th minute, Japan's Keito Nakamura hit a brilliant right-footed mid-range shot, bringing the game back to square one.