Netherlands leads against Japan in ongoing World Cup matchup
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026

The Netherlands is currently up 2-1 against Japan in their World Cup match. As the game progressed, observers noted a hot and drowsy atmosphere in the surrounding area of Lake Annecy, impacting the viewing experience. The match features a goal from Virgil van Dijk, contributing to the Netherlands' lead. Fans are engaged in the contest as it unfolds.
- •Netherlands leads Japan 2-1 at this point in the match.
- •Virgil van Dijk scored for the Netherlands.
- •The match is being held during a hot day by Lake Annecy.
- •Viewers are experiencing the game amid an atmosphere of fatigue.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — The World Cup viewed from afar is more like ambient noise – a far cry from working at it | Jonathan Liew
"Covering a tournament, my smartwatch showed my heart rate was 10-20 beats above normal. How luxurious to half-watch I fell asleep at some point during the Netherlands v Japan game. It had been a hot and drowsy day by the shores of Lake Annecy, a square and heavy heat, where the sun and the driving and the food and the boxed wine gently squeeze all the life from your body, like air being pressed out of a juice carton. I remember Virgil van Dijk angling a header into the far corner, and when I came to it was 2-1, and everyone was heading to bed, drunk on tiredness, drunk on life, drunk on drink. Continue reading...
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