Second-half goal frenzy lights up World Cup prospects for Dutch and Japan

June 14 : Matches are often described as a game of two halves but seldom has the old cliche been more apt than on Sunday when all the goals in the Netherlands' 2-2 draw against Japan came in a pulsating second period after a cagey first 45 minutes.

The flowing, attacking football after the break that lit up the Dallas Stadium, and electrified the orange and blue ranks of rival fans under its gigantic roof cover, suggests both teams should feel confident about their chances in the tournament.

Three of the goals were scored in a dizzying 13-minute second-half spell that left the Dutch 2-1 ahead until the 88th minute when Japan levelled for the second time with substitute Koki Ogawa's powerful header glancing off the scalp of Daichi Kamada and flying over the dive of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

At the final whistle, even the typically dour Dutch coach Ronald Koeman was all smiles as he shook hands with his Japanese counterpart Hajime Moriyasu.

The prospect of a scintillating second period had looked as unlikely as a supporter finding a low-priced stadium ticket at this year’s World Cup.

Japan started the match showing exactly why they had gone five games before the tournament without conceding a goal, limiting the Netherlands to barely any chances.

But that all changed when Dutch captain Virgil Van Djik headed in off the post in the 51st minute.

Stung into action, Japan drew level within six minutes as Keito Nakamura fired in an equaliser before Crysencio Summerville restored the lead for the 'Oranje' in the 64th with a low shot that went in off the woodwork.

The Netherlands had looked set to take firm control of Group F until Kamada’s late equaliser, which was a bit fortuitous but also fully deserved for the 'Samurai Blue' as they