Keito Nakamura scores his first goal in his World Cup debut! Japan draws with Netherlands

Soccer World Cup (World Cup) 1st League Group F (14th, Dallas, USA)

△Japan 2-2 Netherlands△

Immediately after the start of the second half, midfielder Keito Nakamura, making his World Cup debut, was able to shake off the unpleasant situation that gave the Netherlands the first goal.

12 minutes into the second half, 0-1. When he received a call back from midfielder Takefusa Kubo on the left side of the penalty area, he dribbled into the center and swung it with his right foot, saying, ``I knew I was going to get a pass. I was imagining it.''

The low, sharp shot passed through the thighs of opposing defender Dumflis and landed in the left corner of the goal, past goalkeeper Verbruggen's outstretched hand. At Japan's first goal of this tournament, he repeatedly gave a flashy fist pump.

He crossed the ocean from J1 Gamba Osaka and currently plays for Stade Reims in France's second division. He will make his national team debut in 2023 after the last World Cup in Qatar. After scoring his first goal in his second game on debut, he continued to score goals and rose to prominence as he aimed for his second World Cup as a member of Moriyasu Japan. Due to an injury to Kaoru Mitoma, who had been a key player, he achieved results as expectations were high for him as a left-sided attacker.

He contributed to the victory in an international friendly against England in March, and went into the big stage with growing confidence, saying, ``We played well as a team.'' Even before his World Cup debut, which was already looking tense, he remained calm, saying, ``It's not good to think too much. I'll just do what I can.'' He played an active role in the attack, which he calls his ``strong point.''

After the match, he said, ``Getting one point against a strong team really gives us all confidence,'' and looked ahead to the second match, saying, ``The match against Tunisia will be a completely different battle.'' The 25-year-old, who has become increasingly reliable on the front lines, remained focused and looked ahead to the next match. [Sakuhei Kawamura]