# Asian Pride + Night of Upsets! Japan Draw Netherlands, Germany 7-1 Relive Classic – World Cup Group Stage Heats Up
The first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is in full swing. On June 15, Groups E and F delivered thrilling encounters – Japan came from behind twice to draw 2‑2 with the Netherlands; Sweden crushed Tunisia 5‑1; Germany hammered World Cup debutants Curaçao 7‑1; and Ivory Coast snatched a last‑gasp winner over Ecuador. Early on June 16, another shock followed as debutants Cape Verde held tournament favourites Spain to a 0‑0 draw, while Belgium drew 1‑1 with Egypt.
## 1. Japan 2‑2 Netherlands – Asian Football’s Finest Hour
In Group F’s opening match, world No. 18 Japan faced No. 8 Netherlands. The first half ended goalless, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock.
The second half exploded into life:
- **51st minute** – Ryan Gravenberch crossed from the right, and **Virgil van Dijk** headed home his first ever World Cup goal. Netherlands 1‑0.
- **57th minute** – Takefusa Kubo set up **Keito Nakamura**, who fired a stunning shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. 1‑1.
- **64th minute** – Gravenberch turned provider again, feeding **Crysencio Summerville**, who cut inside and curled a brilliant strike into the net. Netherlands 2‑1.
Deep into stoppage time, Japan pulled off a dramatic equaliser:
- **89th minute** – Koki Ogawa’s header struck **Daichi Kamada** and deflected into the net. Japan 2‑2.
Van Dijk sat on the pitch in disbelief, while Japan celebrated a hard‑earned point.
## 2. Sweden 5‑1 Tunisia, Germany 7‑1 Curaçao
In the other Group F match, Sweden demolished Tunisia 5‑1 to top the group. **Jesper Ayari** scored twice, joining the tournament’s early top scorers alongside Balogun and Havertz.
In Group E, Germany ran riot against Curaçao, winning 7‑1.
- **6th minute** – Nmecha opened the scoring.
- **21st minute** – Curaçao scored their first ever World Cup goal through Komenechia.
- Schlotterbeck headed in, Havertz converted a penalty, and in the second half, Musiala, Brown, Undav, and Havertz (his second) added four more.
**Kai Havertz** finished with a brace.
In the other Group E match, **Amad Diallo** netted a 90th‑minute winner to give Ivory Coast a 1‑0 victory over Ecuador.
## 3. Upset Night: Cape Verde Hold Spain, Belgium Draw Egypt
Early on June 16, Group H produced the biggest shock so far – world No. 3 Spain, despite 27 shots on goal, were held to a 0‑0 draw by 64th‑ranked debutants Cape Verde. Cape Verde’s goalkeeper **Wozinha** made 7 saves and was named Man of the Match.
In Group G, Belgium drew 1‑1 with Egypt.
| Match | Score | HT | FT | Goalscorers |
| Japan vs Netherlands | **2‑2** | 0‑0 | 2‑2 | Van Dijk, Nakamura, Summerville, Kamada |
| Sweden vs Tunisia | **5‑1** | — | — | Ayari (2), etc. |
| Germany vs Curaçao | **7‑1** | 3‑1 | 4‑0 | Havertz (2), Nmecha, Schlotterbeck, Musiala, Brown, Undav |
| Ivory Coast vs Ecuador | **1‑0** | 0‑0 | 1‑0 | Diallo |
| Spain vs Cape Verde | **0‑0** | 0‑0 | 0‑0 | None |
| Belgium vs Egypt | **1‑1** | 0‑1 | 1‑1 | Ashour, Hany (og) |
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