Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Netherlands and Japan face off this evening at AT&T Stadium in their Group F opening match at the FIFA World Cup.
Three-time World Cup finalists the Netherlands arrive under coach Ronald Koeman with ambitions of lifting the trophy despite mixed results in their warm-up matches, including a defeat to Algeria and a narrow victory over Uzbekistan.
Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to lead a solid Dutch defence, while midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s return to top form has boosted the team’s creative options. However, the late withdrawal of defender Jurriën Timber due to injury has forced adjustments to the squad.
Japan head into the tournament eager to build on their impressive performances at the 2022 World Cup, where they stunned Germany and Spain. The Samurai Blue are still chasing a first-ever quarter-final appearance.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu has described his side as dark horses, following encouraging pre-tournament victories over Scotland and England. However, injuries have dealt a major blow to the team, with Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita and captain Wataru Endo all ruled out.
The two nations have never met in a competitive senior international match, adding further intrigue to the encounter.
Elsewhere, Côte d’Ivoire will take on Ecuador in Philadelphia early Monday morning, while Sweden face Tunisia in Monterrey. Spain meet Cabo Verde in Atlanta, and Belgium clash with Egypt in Seattle.
