World Cup LIVE: Japan level v Netherlands after Van Dijk header, Germany thrash Curacao, England updates

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Today22:19 BSTJapan are level!Well, what a response that is!Nakamura fires from the edge of the box after finding space, and a deflection off Van Hecke sends it into the back of the net.A promising half-hour awaits.Netherlands 1-1 Japan.Today22:11 BSTThere we have it - deadlock broken by the Netherlands!Captain Virgil van Dijk powers home the Netherlands' opening goal after meeting a stunning cross from Ryan Gravenberch into the box.A perfect start for Ronald Koeman's side.ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Virgil van Dijk #4 of Netherlands celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. "I like this Japan team."They played against England and looked very dynamic so someone like Kubo could be the surprise package this summer like how James Rodriguez made a name for himself at the 2014 World Cup."Takefusa Kubo has shone for Real Sociedad over the past two seasons(Image: Getty Images)Today20:42 BSTEye-watering beer and water prices for England's first World Cup gameOur reporter Ryan Taylor in Dallas has brought the latest from the AT&T Stadium ahead of the Group F clash.Taylor says: "The AT&T Stadium, or Dallas Stadium as per official World Cup records, is a fitting venue for this Group F firecracker between the Netherlands and Japan.

They face Croatia in Dallas next Wednesday knowing that victory would be massive for their progress and the competition is fierce for places.More here.Bukayo Saka is in a race against time to prove his fitness to Thomas Tuchel(Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)Today20:09 BSTWhich nations will play next?Our focus now turns to the Netherlands' match against Japan, which is scheduled to kick off at 9pm.We'll bring you the starting XI's shortly.Today20:06 BSTJeremy Cross in HoustonOur reporter writes: "Germany's World Cup bid got lift off in Houston thanks to a thumping triumph over minnows Curacao. Dick Advocaat's side can take encouragement from their performance as they head into their match against Ecuador next weekend.For Germany, they've shown themselves to be a formidable force and now turn their attention to facing Ivory Coast next.Today19:54 BSTGermany have their seventh goalGermany show no signs of slowing down.Havertz bags his brace for the evening - the first from the penalty spot, the second whipped beyond Curaçao goalkeeper Room.It's his 24th goal in a Die Nationalelf shirt.Five minutes of stoppage time.HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Kai Havertz #7 of Germany celebrates scoring his team's seventh goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Moments like these for them might never come around again, after all."Today19:34 BSTNathaniel Brown bags his first goal for GermanyThe four‑time champions have their fifth through Brown - and it had been coming, with Germany dominating throughout.After a quick VAR check to confirm there was no offside in the build‑up, the goal stands.HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Nathaniel Brown #18 of Germany celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. He managed the Holland side at the 1974 World Cup, before Nagelsmann was even born."And here in Houston, at the age of 78, is becoming the oldest manager to ever take charge of a team at the World Cup."Dick Advocaat on the Hampden touchline(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)Today19:11 BSTBack underway and Germany already have a fourth goal!Germany's flying start to the half has seen them net a fourth goal - finished coolly by Jamal Musiala.Joshua Kimmich sliced the Curacao defence open with a perfect through‑ball, and Musiala whipped a slick effort into the far corner.It shatters Curacao's hopes of cutting the deficit - and now it may simply be a case of how many Germany can score.Germany 4-1 Curacao.