Netherlands edged a tense Group F opener at AT&T Stadium, but Japan made them work every minute for the three points. Ronald Koeman's side controlled the tempo through Tijjani Reijnders and Frenkie de Jong in the first half, their fluid positional play carving open Japan's mid-block in the 18th minute when Reijnders slipped a perfectly weighted through-ball into Gakpo's run and the Liverpool forward finished low across Zion Suzuki. Japan, however, refused to wilt. Hajime Moriyasu's 4-2-3-1 pressed with discipline and intelligence, and Dōan's stunning 25-yard free-kick — bending around the wall and into the top-right corner — restored parity just after the hour. The match looked set for a nervy finale until Kō Itakura's clumsy challenge on Gakpo inside the box handed Memphis Depay the chance to win it from the spot. The veteran forward stepped up with trademark composure, sending Suzuki the wrong way. Japan pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Van Dijk and Timber held firm. Netherlands take a vital first win; Japan will feel they deserved more.

• Netherlands dominated the first half with 63% possession and 9 shots, but Japan's compact 4-2-3-1 block kept them to just one goal.
• Ritsu Dōan's curling free-kick — his 4th international dead-ball goal — levelled the tie and silenced AT&T Stadium momentarily.
• Kō Itakura's foul on Gakpo in the 76th minute gifted Memphis Depay the decisive penalty, his 4th World Cup goal across two tournaments.
• Cody Gakpo was directly involved in both Netherlands goals (1 goal, 1 penalty won), continuing his exceptional World Cup form.
• Japan's high press won 8 ball recoveries in the Netherlands' half but failed to convert their best chance — Ueda's 61st-minute header hit the post.
• Virgil van Dijk won 9/10 aerial duels and made 4 clearances, marshalling the Dutch backline with authority.