- Crystal Palace star Daichi Kamada scores World Cup goal
- Japan draw 1-1 vs the Netherlands
- Eagles midfielder admits it was “very lucky”
Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada has admitted he was fortunate to find the net in Japan’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener. The two nations settled for a point in a closely fought battle at AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Virgil van Dijk gave Oranje the lead in the 51st minute but Keito Nakamura equalised with a fine finish six minutes later. It looked likely that the Dutch would prevail after Crysencio Summerville found the bottom corner in the 64th minute.
Japan levelled courtesy of Kamada with just one minute left of regulation time. The Palace star didn’t know much about it but he headed past Bart Verbruggen.
Kamada reacts to equaliser
Kamada reacted to his crucial goal after Japan’s draw and gave an honest assessment. He said (via Palace Report):
“It was more like it suddenly hit me. I think I was very lucky. I actually touched it quite a bit. Normally, this is the kind of situation that would never really happen. But it feels like the passion and commitment I’ve had for this tournament have finally been rewarded.”
Kamada’s goal means he is the first active Palace player since Mile Jedinak in June 2014 to score in a World Cup game. It came on his 50th international appearance and secured a late point.
Who next for Kamada and Japan?
Japan’s World Cup campaign continues on Sunday (June 21st) when they face Tunisia in the second matchday of Group F. Last night’s draw means the Japanese sit second in the table.
Sweden sits top of the group after thrashing Tunisia 5-1 on Sunday. This could be viewed as the group of death, given the strength of all four teams.
