AT&T Stadium, Arlington — a cauldron of 93,000 fans under the Texas sun — hosted one of Group F's most eagerly anticipated clashes as the Netherlands faced a Japan side that has made a habit of stunning European giants. Ronald Koeman's Oranje started with intent, pressing high and circulating the ball with purpose through Frenkie de Jong and the electric Tijjani Reijnders. The opener arrived on 18 minutes: Reijnders threaded a laser-guided through-ball between Japan's double pivot, and Cody Gakpo — arriving at full sprint — swept a composed finish low past Zion Suzuki. Japan refused to panic. Wataru Endo marshalled the midfield with quiet authority, and Hajime Moriyasu's side grew into the game, winning back possession higher up the pitch. Just before the half-hour, Ayase Ueda forced a sharp save from Verbruggen, a reminder that Japan were very much in this contest. The second half opened with Marten de Roon picking up a yellow card for a cynical foul, and Japan sensed the momentum shift. On 54 minutes, Ritsu Dōan stepped over a free-kick 24 yards from goal — and curled an outswinging beauty that kissed the inside of the post and nestled in the top corner. AT&T Stadium fell momentarily silent before erupting in Japanese blue. The match was delicately poised. Koeman introduced Memphis Depay for Weghorst on 65 minutes, adding craft and guile to the Dutch attack. On 61 minutes, Ueda's glancing header rattled the post — the closest Japan came to taking the lead. Then came the decisive moment: Kō Itakura, already on a yellow, lunged recklessly at Gakpo in the area on 76 minutes. Referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Depay, ice-cool, sent Suzuki diving the wrong way — 2-1. Japan threw everything forward in the final ten minutes, Takefusa Kubo and Daizen Maeda injecting pace from the bench, but Van Dijk was immovable, heading away cross after cross. Netherlands hold on for a crucial opening win; Japan will reflect on a performance that deserved more than a single point.