Japan come from behind twice to draw with Netherlands

Japan hit back twice to start their World Cup campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. The Dutch were denied a victory in their the World Cup Group F opener when Koki Ogawa’s 88th-minute header took a deflection off Daichi Kamada before going in at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. After a drab first half where chances were few and far between, the came to life when an unmarked Virgil van Dijk headed home in the 51st minute from Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch’s cross.

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‘Heartbroken’ Xavi Simons ruled out of World Cup

Xavi Simons is set to miss the remainder of the Premier League season and will also play no part in the 2026 World Cup. The Netherlands midfielder left pitch on a stretcher during win over Wolves on Saturday and confirms he will play no further part in Tottenham’s bid for Premier League survival after suffering an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.

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Ajax to sack manager John Heitinga

Ajax have fired manager John Heitinga after a disastrous start to the season, the club confirmed on Thursday. On Wednesday evening, Ajax lost 3-0 to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League to start their European season with four consecutive defeats. The Dutch giants announced that Heitinga’s contract had been suspended with immediate effect and will now be terminated.

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