Kamada's late header earns Japan a thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands

Tournament football rewards teams that refuse to give in, and Japan embodied that in a thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Dallas. Twice behind, twice they hauled themselves level, with Daichi Kamada the late hero, heading home an equaliser to cancel out what had looked like the winning goal.

The Netherlands made the brighter start and took the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk, who rose highest to nod them in front. It was the kind of opening that might have deflated a lesser side, but Japan have built a reputation at recent tournaments for fearlessness against the game's traditional powers, and they did not wilt.

Their response was a statement of intent. Rather than retreat, Japan pressed and probed, backing their technical quality and organisation to trouble a Dutch side that has not always been comfortable when made to defend. The equaliser they earned was the reward for refusing to accept the script that a heavyweight like the Netherlands was supposed to write.

The Netherlands restored their lead, and again the contest seemed to be slipping from Japan's grasp. But this is a Japan side that has made a habit of upsetting expectations, and they kept coming. The pressure told late on when Kamada met a delivery to head home, sparking jubilation and securing a point that felt like more.

For Japan, the draw is a marker of how far they have come. Matching one of the tournament favourites, and doing so by repeatedly fighting back, is the kind of result that builds belief for the rest of a campaign. They will feel they belong among the contenders rather than the also-rans.

For the Netherlands, it is a warning. Leading twice and failing to close out the win points to a fragility that better-organised opponents will look to exploit, and dropping points in an opener adds early pressure in a competitive group. The talent is there; the game management needs sharpening.

It was the kind of opener that captures why tournaments enthral, two sides trading blows until the final whistle. Japan earned their point the hard way, and served notice that they will not be easy to brush aside.

Both sides will take something from a breathless night, but it is Japan who will travel on with the greater spring in their step. Belief, in tournament football, can be worth as much as any tactic.

It was a contest that had everything, and a fitting advertisement for the unpredictability of the expanded World Cup. Japan left with the point and the plaudits. For every result and storyline, follow the latest football news.