Each Netherlands player rated on their performance on Saturday in the 2-2 friendly draw with Japan.
- By Michael Bell
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The Dutch side were leading 2-0, but could not hold onto the lead against an impressive Japan side, who should have won the game in the end, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Netherlands second half performance was worrying, and improvement will be needed against Colombia on Tuesday.
Full player ratings as follows:
Goalkeeper: Jasper Cillessen 6/10
Could the Ajax man have done better for both the goals? His position and speed at getting down to both low strikes seemed poor, but Cillessen redeemed himself late on, pulling off a great save to deny Kagawa the winner. Not a day to remember for the Ajax keeper.
Right Back: Daryl Janmaat 5/10
Struggled early on with the pace of the Japanese attacks, and was caught out of position a number of times. Did his best to get forward in the first half to support Robben, but sat deep in the second, inviting pressure.
Left Back: Daley Blind 5/10
Like Janmaat struggled with Japanese attacks on the left wing before moving into central midfield in the second half. In midfield, Blind could get nowhere near both Kagawa and Keisuke Honda as they pulled the strings. Has been impressive for Ajax in midfield, but this game proved a step too far.
Centre back: Stefan de Vrij 5/10
Seemed solid at the back in the opening period, but under immense pressure from Japan was forced into errors, and could not help build Netherlands attacks.
Centre Back: Ron Vlaar 5/10
Like De Vrij, Vlaar did ok in the opening period, but was poor in the second half, failing to clear the ball for both goals, and nearly gifting Japan the winner late on with some lack passing at the back as Netherlands settled for the draw.
Midfield: Nigel de Jong 6/10
Controlled the midfield in the first half, and dictated most of Netherlands moves. Substituted at half time with an injury in a move that cost the Dutch in the second half. At the moment, De Jong needs to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Midfield: Rafael van der Vaart 7/10
Excellent display from the Hamburg midfielder in the first half, saw him capitalise on a defensive error to open the scoring, before setting up Arjen Robben for the second with a brilliant cross field ball. Tired in the second period and was eventually replaced by De Guzman.
Midfield: Kevin Strootman 6/10
First half, Strootman was his usual self, keeping the play simple with nice passing, and making important interceptions in the middle. However in the second period his performance waned, and was forced into errors, and hopeful long balls.
Right Wing: Arjen Robben 7/10
The captain for the day scored an excellent goal to put his side 2-0 up, and could have scored two or three in the first half. Was one of the only players to try and attack in the second half.
Left Wing: Jeremain Lens 5/10
Shifted from the right to a central position throughout the match, but barely threatened the Japan backline. Had one good chance, but took to long to shoot, and had the ball stolen. Will struggle to hold down a place in the national team if his performances do not improve
Striker: Siem de Jong 5/10
With Van Persie, Kuyt, and Huntelaar all missing, the job of playing up front fell to Siem de Jong, and the Ajax captain looked uncomfortable all afternoon. Should have sealed the win early in the second half, but elected to pass when one on one with the keeper. Eventually replaced by Memphis Depay.
Substitutes:
Jetro Willems 5/10
Came on for De Jong at half time, but failed to have a real impact on the game, looked to link up with Depay when his fellow PSV team-mate came on, but struggled at the back.
Memphis Depay 6/10
The shining star of the second half, when Depay came on for Siem de Jong in the second half, the PSV winger looked to take on his man, and troubled the Japanese keeper with a low shot. An impressive cameo appearance by the PSV wonderkid.
Jonathan de Guzman 5/10
Came on for Van der Vaart late on, and failed to have any impact on the game, with Netherlands looking a tired side.
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