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Daichi Kamada diverted in an 89th-minute equaliser for Japan as they twice levelled to secure a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in this Group F opener.Crysencio Summerville had looked to have won it when curling the ball beautifully into the far corner with his left foot but there was a twist in the tale in Arlington in a contest that really came to life in the second half after an uninspired opening 45 minutes.Virgil van Dijk headed Ronald Koeman's side in front from Ryan Gravenberch's cross soon after the interval but Keito Nakamura levelled things up within seven minutes when his shot deflected off the foot of Jan Paul Van Hecke and beyond Bart Verbruggen.Summerville, who only made his international debut earlier this month, was on course to be the hero but Kento Shiogai's header deflected off Kamada and Verbruggen could only parry into his own net. The Brighton goalkeeper should have done better.The same could be said of the two teams in what was an entertaining game that both will seek to learn from. Could Japan have been more positive from the outset? Should the Netherlands have pressed home their advantage? Both will expect to improve.Despite the loss of Kaoru Mitoma to injury, Japan are much-fancied at this World Cup having been in excellent form. They defeated Brazil in October and then beat England at Wembley in March. But they were a little fortunate to get the point here.It felt as if they needed to fall behind to be willing to go out and play, producing their best work only when the Netherlands were leading. More belief will be required if they are to achieve what many feel they are capable of achieving at this tournament.But there are lessons for Koeman and his team too after this. The Netherlands appeared in control prior to the decision to bring on a defender in Nathan Ake for a midfielder in Gravenberch in the 81st minute. It only succeeded in inviting pressure late on."I was more impressed with the Dutch tonight. Yes, they gave a couple of daft goals away and there were set pieces at the end. In the bigger picture, the Dutch looked decent but you cannot take anything away from Japan."I also give them credit for hanging in there. They will both take the draw and move on. But the Dutch were in control and I still think they will be more of a threat in the latter stages [of the tournament] than Japan."

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Germany made a confident start to their World Cup campaign with a 7-1 win over tournament debutants Curacao in Group E.Felix Nmecha opened the scoring just six minutes in, but Germany were stunned when Livano Comenencia levelled with Curacao's first ever World Cup goal.It was a jubilant moment for a nation with a total population of 160,000 who have become the smallest to ever reach and score at the World Cup.However, a Nico Schlotterbeck header and Havertz penalty soon restored Germany's advantage before half-time.Just over a minute into the second half, Jamal Musiala slotted the ball into the far corner from Joshua Kimmich's threaded pass before Germany struck again in the 68th minute when Florian Wirtz's pass was flicked by Denis Undav to Nathaniel Brown, who hooked a volley into the bottom corner.A comfortable display saw further goals in the second half from Undav and Havertz as Germany wrapped up three points in their first Group E game.6: GOAL! Nmecha settles any early nerves against the minnows with a quality curling strike21: GOAL! Comenencia makes history for Curacao by scoring their first ever World Cup goal38: GOAL! Schlotterbeck heads Germany back in front45+1: GOAL! Havertz opens his account for the World Cup from penalty spot47: GOAL! Musiala tucks away a fantastic finish from the angle after Kimmich pass68: GOAL! Brown appears up the pitch from left-back to volley home78: GOAL! Undav comes off the bench to make it 6-187: GOAL! Havertz races away and clips home to seal the comfortable victoryThis was a difficult game to assess because on the face of it that was emphatic from Germany and there were some superb finishes but they also looked a little vulnerable at the back.Would a better team than Curacao expose those frailties? Maybe we will find out as this tournament progresses. But Germany's attacking prowess has sent a message.Wirtz was dictating matters in the final third, flanked by the direct running of Musiala and Sane. Germany have an excellent balance in attack.For now, it is a big win for Julian Nagelsmann's side on what was a historic day, nevertheless, for Curacao.

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Goals in each half from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe saw Australia shock Turkey 2-0 in their opening World Cup Group D clash in Vancouver.Tony Popovic's side were considered big underdogs ahead of the game at BC Place, but they produced a disciplined display to record just their fifth World Cup victory and their second win in their opening fixture at the tournament, with young goalkeeper Patrick Beach the hero.The 22-year-old was handed a surprise competitive Socceroos debut in place of the more experienced Mat Ryan, but did not let his side down with a string of impressive stops - eight, the most so far by any 'keeper in the tournament - to frustrate Turkey, the best coming when he tipped Abdulkerim Bardakci's long-range strike on to the post to preserve his team's slender lead.Earlier, Watford striker Irankunda had shown great skill and composure to fire Australia into a 27th-minute lead on the counter, before Metcalfe's low drive from distance sealed the victory with a quarter of an hour to go.

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John McGinn scored Scotland's first World Cup goal for 28 years to ensure a winning start against Haiti in Group C.Brazil's earlier draw with Morocco meant victory Steve Clarke's side could move top of the four-team standings - and they held off a spirited Haiti to do just that.Scott McTominay hit the post, before McGinn sparked wild celebrations as his deflected shot hit the back of the net on the rebound after Che Adams had been denied.Haiti - back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 - showed their threat with glimpses in attack and with the Tartan Army still celebrating an historic goal, 'keeper Angus Gunn spilled a shot from Carlens Arcus.Ben Gannon-Doak's angled-drive shot from a Robertson cross was blocked by Martin Experience for a corner, which ultimately came to nothing.McGinn missed a brilliant chance to put the game out of reach, dragging his effort wide of the post as the nerves kicked in.Haiti kept pressing for the leveller and with five minutes remaining Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide from 10 yards, spurning a great chance.It was a crucial victory for the Scots, but they will need to produce better if they are to get out of the group for the first time ever in their history.17: McTominay agonisingly close to the opener as his effort rattles the post.28: GOAL! McGinn's deflected shot gives Scotland the lead.30: Gunn spills a shot from Arcus but it is cleared73: McGinn misses the chance to make it 2-0Steve Clarke's pre-match advice to his players was simple - "don't get humped."They did as they were told, but it was a nervy night for those in the stadium and back at home.Scotland lacked any proper control and know that will need to improve if they are to get out of the group as better sides than Haiti await.John McGinn scored the only goal, but Ben Gannon-Doak showed again what he can do in a Scotland jersey, although he was not used enough to really make his mark.The start they wanted, but still much work to do before they take on Morocco next.Scotland head coach Steve Clarke speaking to BBC Sport:"I just said to Andy Robertson - it's about time we won a game in the group stage."We put the supporters through it a little bit. Everyone said it was a must-win game - we won the game."This is what this team is all about. If they want to play, they can play, but if they have to dig in and show that character and resilience, that's what they do as well."Defensively, outstanding. We could have been a little bit better on the ball, but who cares - we won."Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson to BBC Sport:"Amazing, the scenes at the end. These fans have waited so long for that, so that was special and it was nice to take it all in."For me, it's a relief to get over the line because we were under a bit of pressure at the end."They're a good side, but we came here to win the game. We've done that so we'll move on to the next."There was a lot of pressure on us and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as well to go and win the game."There was a lot of people expecting us to win and we expect to win as well - we back and believe in ourselves."I think we can play better. We can create more chances and score more goals, but we came here to do a job and we've done that."

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Vinicius Junior scored a stunner as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw with enterprising Morocco in their Group C opener.In the slightly more forgiving temperatures of New York, Morocco got off to a blistering start when Brahim Diaz picked up a loose ball in midfield to thread a perfect pass between two of the best centre-backs in world football - Gabriel and Marquinhos - towards Ismael Saibari.The midfielder collected, settled his nerve, and stood up Alisson before dinking the ball over him. It was a real show of composure and class from World Cup 2022's surprise package - still the most successful African nation in the history of the tournament.But Brazil's brilliance is rarely outshone; their squad so overcrowded with difference-makers. Vinicius Junior was the one to stand up to the pressure on this occasion, as the wondrous winger exchanged passes with Bruno Guimaraes and cut inside to shape a lovely strike into the top corner against the run of play.This is the first game in which Vinicius Jr has scored for Brazil which has not ended in victory. The previous eight occasions all helped secure a win.Brazil, so often dubbed a team of individuals, needed one of their most talented to dig them out of a hole against a side who appeared more complete overall. Morocco were full of beans in the first period and then showed their steel by digging in in the second. They have every chance of going far if such balance can be maintained.Brazil and Morocco are the only top 10 teams to meet in the first round of the expanded 48-nation tournament, and on evidence here, there will not be much to separate them when all is said and done. Scotland will hope to take advantage of the points dropped against Haiti later on Sunday.21: GOAL! Brahim Diaz picked up a loose ball in midfield and found Saibiri on the move, who lobbed Alisson.26: Achraf Hakimi hammered a low shot wide as Morocco pressurised.32: GOAL! Vinicius Jnr cut inside and bent a wonderful equaliser in top corner against run of play.45+2: Lucas Paqueta tested Yassine Bounou with an acrobatic low effort.53: Thiago tried his luck from range but saw his fierce strike beaten away by Bounou.84: Bounou got Issa Diop out of a sticky situation by racing off his line to clear away from Raphinha.90+8: Double save needed from Alisson late on after Neil El Aynaoui's effort from range and Ayoube Amaimouni's follow-up.Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti to FIFA:"I think we didn't start very well, I'm a little worried. We lost a lot of duels and possession, but we improved in the second half of a difficult match, because Morocco is a good team."In the first half, we had difficulty getting out of the pressure, we could have had more control."[Was I] Satisfied? Not really. I expected a better start. But things can happen. Now I'm going to focus on the next game."If there was one aspect of Brazil's performance that would have concerned Carlo Ancelotti, it was what happened whenever they lost possession, especially in the first half.On paper, the midfield trio of Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes looks like it should provide the perfect blend of control, energy and technical quality. In reality, the distances between them were far too large in the first half and Morocco repeatedly drove through the spaces that opened up as a result.Time after time, Brazil's midfield line was bypassed with simple forward passes, leaving the back four exposed and forced into uncomfortable one-v-one situations. The numbers tell the story. Morocco registered 12 shots before the break and could easily have had more reward for their aggressive approach.Casemiro often found himself isolated in front of the defence, while Paqueta and Guimaraes were caught between pressing forward and protecting the space behind them.Brazil did improve after the interval. Casemiro's withdrawal at half-time altered the dynamic slightly, yet the reduction in Morocco's threat felt as much a consequence of the North Africans running out of steam after their intense first-half pressing as it did any dramatic tactical fix from Brazil.Against stronger opposition at the World Cup, leaving the defence that exposed will leave Brazil very vulnerable.Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi to FOX Sports:"It was not easy... they are one of the favourites for the tournament. We drew but we are happy with the performance."We still have to improve every game and that is what we are going to be focusing on right now. We have to keep going. We have to keep the positives and learn from the mistakes."

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Qatar won their first ever point at a World Cup finals as a dramatic injury-time equaliser earned a draw against a lacklustre Switzerland in the second game of Group B on Saturday.Canada had drawn with Bosnia-Herzegovina in the group's opener on Friday night, giving favourites Switzerland the chance to take an early lead at the top of the four-team standings - an opportunity they forfeited quite spectacularly.After Breel Embolo's first-half penalty had them on course for victory, they contrived to throw away their lead with virtually the last act of the game, punished for a casual performance lacking in cutting edge.Late in stoppage time, Homam Ahmed hung up a hopeful ball to the back post, where Boualem Khoukhi arrived with perfect timing to power a superb header home and draw Qatar deservedly level.Switzerland, tipped to be dark horses at this tournament, amassed 26 shots, with an xG value of 3.24, but had only one goal to show for their casual efforts - scored from the spot.

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The USA kicked off their World Cup on home soil with their joint best-ever victory in the tournament's history as a sizzling performance saw them thrash Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles.Any weight of expectation on the shoulders of Mauricio Pochettino's men was quickly brushed off as they led from the seventh minute in front of a truly sell-out crowd, with Christian Pulisic pulling the strings - and making that opener, turned through his own net by Damian Bobadilla - before he was withdrawn at the break as a precaution.He ended up usurped by forward Folarin Balogun, whose first-half double put the hosts out of sight before the interval as a performance filled with Pochettino-esque rotations and intensity blew their normally defensively resolute visitors away.That tempo dropped off after the break and allowed substitute Mauricio a chance to pull a goal back with 17 minutes left, but Giovanni Reyna put the cherry on the cake of a rampant - and deserved - opening win with a fittingly confident outside-of-the-boot finish in the dying seconds.Quite how much Pochettino and his side can read into their opening victory remains to be seen and his pre-match assertion that the USA can win the World Cup still seems unlikely - but for a nation who have won only one knock-out World Cup game in its entire history, this certainly suggests a second may not be far away.USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino to BBC Sport:"I'm so, so proud. The players, the staff, but the most important thing is the performance and the feeling."This is only one game, it's the start, but we need to be intelligent."The first game is always so difficult, hosting the World Cup and the expectations."But the way they dealt with the pressure, the first 45 minutes was amazing."Pulisic had a kick on his calf, and was feeling a little bit tight. We didn't want to take any risks with him. Hopefully it's not a big issue for him.""It is lovely to get swept along on a current of World Cup fever but barring an upset of Leicester-esque proportions, the USA are not going to win the tournament."But really, that is not the aim. As defender Chris Richards said ahead of their opening game, if they are not the squad to do it, they want to be the ones motivating the generation who do."And there is little more inspirational than the way they played. Mauricio Pochettino has his side not only well-drilled but brimming with confidence. The rotations between Antonee Robinson and Christian Pulisic were a particular highlight until the latter's withdrawal at the break."The tempo was high from the off but the off-the-ball runs were perhaps the most impressive aspect of a strong performance, not only the consistency of them but the number of players involved - though Weston McKennie deserves a particular mention. Often the ball didn't come, but the belief and willingness remained that it might the next time."It all left a Paraguay team who had conceded just 10 goals in 18 qualifying games bamboozled. No, the US won't win the tournament but they might have a lot of fun along the way."And there is no reason they should not go deep into the knock-outs, Pulisic's fitness notwithstanding, to provide that inspiration not only to the next generation of US footballers, but a country finally accepting football as its own."

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Canada claimed their first ever World Cup point as the co-hosts came from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.For long periods, Canada thought it wasn't their day. After Bosnia led through Jovo Lukic's close-range header from a corner, some wasteful finishing and equally stunning Bosnia-Herzegovina defending frustrated the co-hosts.Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi missed golden first-half chances to score. In the second half, former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac and Nikola Katic both cleared off the line as the pressure from Jesse Marsch's side grew.But Southampton striker Cyle Larin's finish from inside the box - his first touch after coming onto the pitch 121 seconds earlier - sent Toronto into delirium and rescued a point for the co-hosts.Jonathan David is one of Canada's poster boys at this World Cup. After scoring at least 25 goals in each of his final three seasons at Lille, he created a reputation as one of the best strikers in Europe.But now it's time to question whether he should start up front for Canada on current form.He came into the tournament in poor form for new club Juventus, scoring just eight times in 46 games and in this World Cup opener, he looked a player short of confidence.His golden chance in the game saw him fire a big chance straight at the goalkeeper in the first half. He had just 24 touches, the lowest out of all of Canada's starters.What won't help his case is how substitutes Promise David and Cyle Larin - who have had much better club seasons than the Juventus man - looked much sharper after coming off the bench.Both players combined for Larin's equaliser and have put themselves in contention to start Canada's next game - a crucial must-win game against Qatar.Does Jesse Marsch stick with Jonathan David and hope he finds his confidence against Qatar? Or does he go with the sharper and more in-form options?Canada head coach Jesse Marsch on what he said in the final drinks break to push the team to a equaliser:"We felt like we had them. We were starting to push the game. The subs came on and the tempo got higher. We saw that Bosnia were fading. So I told them that: 'we've got them now, it's time to put your foot on the jugular and go for the goal'."I'm disappointed with the first half. We were tentative. We didn't play as aggressively as I would have liked. When we say we want to be aggressive and play intense and hard to play against, we actually [have to] do it."The second half, from the first second we stepped on the pitch, it was different. We have to learn these lessons, we have to learn quick."We still have everything in hand, that's a really big point for us to put ourselves in the group and make sure we're not losing any ground. But we have to make sure the next performance is a reflection and learning point from what we did today."