Louis van Gaal's Netherlands surrendered a two-goal advantage as Japan battled back to secure a 2-2 draw in Belgium this afternoon.
Japan started the better of the two sides, but they fell behind in the 12th minute when former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Rafael van der Vaart capitalised on a defensive error to break the deadlock.
The Dutch then doubled their advantage seven minutes before the break courtesy of Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben, who cut inside from the right flank, before curling the ball into the top corner of the net.
However, the Japanese reduced the arrears shortly before the half-time whistle as Yuya Osako found himself with time and space to score from close range.
Osako then played a key role in Japan's equaliser in the 59th minute when he picked out Keisuke Honda, who fired in his 19th goal at international level.
As the match wore on, Japan looked the more likely to add a third goal and they went close 13 minutes from time when Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa slotted a pass through the Holland defence for Yoichiro Kakitani. The 23-year-old failed to hit the target, though, and the match ended with two goals apiece.
Liam Apicella
