NewsWorld Cup: Van Dijk scores and Gravenberch assists in Netherlands draw with Japan

Liverpool and Dutch captain Van Dijk broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half of the Group F encounter in Dallas on Sunday.

He did so by meeting a Gravenberch cross from the right with a precise header back across the goal that arced into the opposition net off the post.

Keito Nakamura equalised for Japan soon after, but Gravenberch then bagged a second assist with a set-up for Crysencio Summerville’s low curler to make it 2-1.

Victory was denied the Netherlands – for whom Reds forward Cody Gakpo also started – when Japan levelled again two minutes from the end via Daichi Kamada.

Their next outing at the World Cup comes on Saturday (June 20) as they face Sweden in Houston.

Elsewhere at the World Cup...

• Wirtz assists in 7-1 win for Germany
• Alisson plays as Brazil draw with Morocco