πΈ 73'
The referee signals that it is time for a substitution and David Raum (Germany) is coming onto the pitch as Nathaniel Brown cannot continue after picking up an injury.
Julian Nagelsmann has decided to make a change. Leon Goretzka (Germany) replaces Aleksandar Pavlovic.
The substitution has been made. Antonio Rudiger (Germany) has replaced Jonathan Tah
π¨ πππ ππππ πππππ: Only two nations have a better win rate in FIFA World Cup history than the Netherlands. π³π±
The Dutch begin another chase for World Cup glory against Japan β a side that has built a reputation for troubling major European teams on the biggest stage. π―π΅
History favours the Netherlands, but Japan know how to ruin the script
π¨ πππππππππππβ πππ πππππ π ππ πππππ
The Netherlands begin another World Cup campaign still chasing the trophy that has escaped them for generations.
Three finals, three heartbreaks, and still no title, but Ronald Koemanβs side arrive in strong shape after going unbeaten in qualifying, scoring 27 goals and conceding just four.
The Dutch also havenβt lost a World Cup opener since 1938 and are unbeaten in their last 16 group stage matches.
π¨ ππππ-ππ-ππππ: Japan are still searching for their first-ever win over the Netherlands. π―π΅π³π±
The Samurai Blue have faced the Dutch three times without victory, drawing once and losing twice.
One of those defeats came on the World Cup stage in 2010, when the Netherlands edged Japan 1-0 in the group phase.
Now Japan get another chance to change that history.
Old record. New opportunity
π¨ πππ πππππ: Netherlands vs Japan has goals written all over it. π³π±π―π΅
The Netherlands are just four goals away from reaching 100 World Cup goals, but theyβve also conceded exactly once in each of their last four matches.
Japan come in with serious momentum too, keeping clean sheets in seven of their last eight wins, while seven of their last nine World Cup games have seen both teams score.
Dutch history, Japanese discipline, and a fixture that could easily open up.