Memphis Depay, the international scoring leader for the Netherlands, came into action in the 70th minute against Japan in Sunday’s World Cup opener.
There could be hope of a return to the starting line-up for the Dutch star, who is struggling with a thigh injury.
Depay, who has 55 international appearances to his name, gave a thumbs up to reporters when asked how he felt after the Dutch’s 2-2 draw with Samurai Blue.
“Memphis is almost ready,” said coach Ronald Koeman, whose team will play Sweden in Houston on Saturday. “I feel him coming.”
The Dutch team led 2-1 when Depay, Teun Koopmeiners and Quinten Timber came in as substitutes, while Crysencio Summerville, Donyell Malen and Tijjani Reijnders left.
Summerville scored the second goal for the Netherlands and Malen had two chances from close range in the first half that were saved by Zion Suzuki.
Japan pulled the tie back when Daichi Kamada scored from Koki Ogawa’s corner in the 88th minute.
READ: Uruguay arrives in Miami after trip delayed by permit issues
Koeman was questioned about the substitutions after the Dutch team settled for a draw. They extended their unbeaten streak to 17 matches in group play, and their remaining matches are against the lower-placed teams in Group F: Sweden (39th) and Tunisia (45th).
The Netherlands, in eighth place, while Japan is number 18, is the only country to reach the World Cup finals three times without winning a title.
“After we scored the first goal, our defense started to struggle because they put more pressure on our goal,” Koeman said. «If you look at both goals, we didn’t defend well. And with the second goal there was an unfortunate touch on the ball.»
Kamada’s header deflected slightly towards goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, and the ball bounced off Verbruggen’s hands as he attempted the save.
Verbruggen started despite a hip injury sustained in the preparatory match against Uzbekistan last week.
Published on June 15, 2026
